I was away for a week, in case you hadn’t noticed the lack of posts. But now I am back, starting out my week with work and play or life and some blogging and cooking and sharing, hoping too keep us all on the positive. So here we go:
When I was ten I learned that my cousin, who was much older than me, had gone to Paris to study at Le Cordon Bleu. I had no idea what that meant, until years later, upon his return, I tasted the fancy meals he prepared for family gatherings and special occasions where he was hired to cater. When he moved to the states in the early 80’s, he opened a restaurant, but unfortunately for him, not at a time when the bay area was accustomed to trying different cuisines – particularly French. So he was forced to close his restaurant and work as a chef at another, more steak and potatoes place. He died a few years back, after succumbing to cancer, without learning that San Francisco’s French restaurants have become some of the most famous. I think of him often – about his style of cooking, and his love of French cuisine and every time I am at a French restaurant in San Francisco, I raise a glass of wine to him. I thought …
I realized on my walk about downtown during lunch yesterday that the tourists have arrived. There is nothing more I love then tourists exploring my city – San Francisco. And the second thing I love is when they stop me for directions – I gladly offer up some insight, including recommending for them to venture out to the suburbs and try an off the beaten path restaurant or a pub/bar. In light of this exciting vacation season – and a weather that seems to be turning for the better around the bay area, I cannot help but think about where I want to escape to this year, which then has me thinking about this and that.
I am not a fan of standard hotels – which mostly cater to business travelers. I prefer unique, artsy, small properties with a character bigger than the square feet of the lobby. And I always start with the bathroom decor, and work my way to the room and views. So, I think The Williamsburg Hotel New York – fits exactly the type of accommodations I’ve been searching for my trip to New York later this year. And they are pet friendly 🙂
And here is where I wish to stay for a week or so – to simply daydream away – and nothing more… Where there are gardens to explores, a spa day to be planned, decor to be admired and cuisine to be tried, this would be the best thing for me, I just know it {source here, and here}
I’ve been under the weather the last few days, with a weird cold/flu symptoms taking its toll on my body. The gray overcast, rain or maybe not, isn’t helping the mood either. I realized the second I got into work, that I needed a mood booster and this article about the world’s most beautiful floral display did the trick.
I am taking next week off from work. A much-needed break, I’ve avoided for four years. Meaning, even while on vacation over the past four years, I tend to check my work emails and respond and or get asked for guidance on various matters from the team – thinking that nothing can get done with me. Well, I am here to say that even if nothing can get done without me at work, my brain needs some time away from the norm – to play tourist, even if it’s just in my town, or a few towns over, I am going to make a point to experience things I have not-yet and things I haven’t for over a decade or more… so stay tuned for some interesting hopefully interesting travel topics. On another travel note – May is my favorite travel time of the year – and I love the idea of this list offering up places I haven’t been yet and are longing to explore, just not this May: {featured image source}
Sometimes it is very difficult to pick just one hotel to highlight in RS&S, so I have included some of my favorites from this hotel list – just in case you are having a tough time deciding where to holiday this year:
You know, in January I always tell myself – to take a break from travel and simply enjoy the finer things at home. After all I live in an amazing city and there is much to see and do here – errr, within 100 miles or so. But February rolls around, and I get that itch to travel, so I opt for a weekend getaway and as soon as its March, I am full on planning – and wishing – and planning a trip. Disclaimer: If your passport is about to expire, like mine, be sure to check the rules of travel here, so you don’t get turned away at customs for not having the proper passport expiry requirements for that specific country. Now, although I pretty much know where it is I want to go for a week or two before the madness of high-season travel begins, I still refer to a list of suggestions here – you know, in case I’ve missed something. Where would you go in the Spring? {source}
I was renewing my driver’s license online last night and froze up when the option to renew was detailed past the normal of click here and pay and move forward. We now, in the states, have to choose between the regular or the Federal Compliant card, which is the only form of ID that will be accepted to enter federal buildings, and boarding domestic flights by October 2020. What? So, naturally this led to research – about changes we need to be aware of when considering travel. For instance…
rawsilkandsaffron.com 