November 26, 2014
There comes a time in everyone’s life when one says, “I need a break from my daily routine – I gotta get outta town.” This happened to my friends and myself when I was at Columbia. We decided we just had to get away from books, term papers, lectures – the whole bit.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
We decided on Williamsburg because: (1) it wouldn’t break the budget, (2) it was fairly close to New York, and (3) it would be a totally new experience for all of us.
Colonial Williamsburg Gardens
Because it was inexpensive, we went by Greyhound and found it quite enjoyable. Once there, we found this re-creation of 18th-century United States absolutely fascinating as we visited one workshop after another.
The “re-enactors”, as they are called, work and dress as if they are in Colonial America. Blacksmiths, gunsmiths, coopers (barrelmakers) and wigmakers all demonstrated their skills in their workshops. The whole adventure was a great break from real life.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
A number of years later, the same urge to “get outta town” hit and since we were all single and in demanding jobs, we decided to take a short trip to Montreal – where French is spoken by 70% of the population. Surprise! We met people who spoke no English at all.
Flavors and aromas of old Montreal
Another surprise was the number of churches. Or, as Mark Twain said, “This is the first time I was ever in a city where you couldn’t throw a brick without breaking a church window.” That said we had a great time.
Las Vegas, Nevada
This city is known as “The Entertainment Capital of the World” and hosts 40 million visitors annually. My first trip was with a group of female executives for a business convention. During our after-hours free time we ate delicious meals, gambled in the casinos and caught a couple of shows. We totally enjoyed ourselves.
Vegas Vic cowboy sign, Freemont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada
My second trip was with my husband, Peter, when we decided to fly to Vegas to celebrate paying off our mortgage. On this trip, we rented a car to drive into the Mojave Desert and were given a warning by the agent who said, “Watch out for the donkeys. If they get close they’ll kick the car.” We didn’t run into any donkeys but we marveled at the natural wonders of the Red Rock Canyon.
MAY WE SUGGEST…
Take a look at this stellar review. Beverly Hills Magazine describes Adea fashions as “beautifully made layering tops, camisoles and lingerie in Italian luxury fabrics designed to keep you comfortable while traveling.”
This is great advice for Getaway Girls.
- Shaun
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October 22, 2020
I just read an article that sounded – to me at least – like “a canary in a coal mine” or an early warning of danger. This piece, written by Joe Pompeo, appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vanity Fair magazine with the title “The British Tabloid Invasion” and a subtitle that read, “How the Daily Mail is conquering American gossip.”
The paparazzi horde, La Dolce Vita, 1960 – photo courtesy of Vanity Fair
October 14, 2020
Apparently the good old U.S. is a nation of “not great” sleepers. Really? And I thought I was the only one! According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that one out of three Americans are chronically sleep-deprived. Yikes!
October 06, 2020
I think we’re all taken by the incredible mystique of the famous French fashion house, Hermès that has been with us for two centuries and is still owned and operated by the same family. From its beginnings in fine equestrian leather goods, they are – in the tumultuous year 2020 – best known for their handbags and many other items.
My image of Hermès has always been rarified products at equally rarified prices so imagine my surprise when I recently received a very stylish publication of theirs in the mail.