Friday, April 27, 2012

Sister Trip- Springtime in Bruges

Springtime in Bruges
Bruges, Belgium
April 1-3, 2012

My sisters Joanna, Megan and I had talked about taking a European Sisters' Trip but financial considerations and vacation time constraints always worked against us.  Finally, after years of hoping and dreaming, we were able to embark on a two-week trip to explore a little of Europe.  The beginning of our whirlwind European trip got off to a rocky start.  After boarding our flight on time and taxiing down the runway to take-off, the pilot came on the speaker system to tell us that we had a flat tire and had to return to the gate.  Getting into Brussels, Belgium three hours later than originally expected, we’d been traveling for about 20 hours and still had to take a train to Bruges.  Luckily, our introduction to Europe was relatively seamless.  We found an ATM, pulled out some cash in Euros (€), located the airport train station and bought our tickets.  After a little confusion about what platform we needed to be on and the difference between 1st and 2nd class train cars, we were on the way to our first destination- Bruges, Belgium.


Bruges was the perfect place to spend the first leg of our trip.  Bruges is a small, calm, historical city and gave us a chance to ease into European ways.  The first thing we did upon arrival was stop for Belgian delicacies- waffles and frites.  From there we took a taxi to our lodging- Lut & Bruno Setola B&B (€100/night triple).  The B&B is lovely, located in a quiet residential area just a few blocks from the Markt Square.  The rooms of the B&B occupy the upper level of a three-story building with a central breakfast area.  Lut greeted us and led us to our room- the Red Room.  She gave us a map, some general recommendations and the best advice ever for this extremely walkable city- “just explore the city by turning left and right, left and right.”

We first headed toward Markt Square to take in the quintessential Bruges view of the buildings and bellower surrounding the square.  Our next goal was to find the Concert Hall and the adjacent Office of Tourism just a short walk from the square. But Bruges is made up of a maze of streets, many narrow and cattycornered.  We lost and found our way several times.  Almost by accident we found the Office of Tourism as we wandered into a large fountain square.  

A canal-boat tour (€7/pp) sounded like a relaxing way to get an overview of the city.  We glided through the network of canals taking in highlights like Minnewaterpark, the Begijnhof, various churches and other sights.  Across the street from the canal boat base was Sukerbuyc Chocolaterie where we indulged in our next Belgian delicacy- chocolate.  We bought an assortment of beautiful and delectable morsels in the shape of swans or fleur de lis and in flavors like pistachio and cherry. 

For dinner we headed back to a group of restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating near a square and chose La Source based on the set menu displayed outside.  Sticking to traditional Belgian foods we shared cheese croquettes, moules-frites-(mussels and fries) and Vlaamse Stovery- Flemish beef stew cooked in beer.  After a long and relaxing dinner, we walked back to our B&B.  We were beat and ready to finally go to bed.

The next morning we had a traditional European breakfast of cold cuts, cheese, fruit and bread prepared by Lut, and headed out to explore more of the city.  We set out to find windmills, happening upon stunning canal views and cute little streets along the way.  The windmills were pretty cool- each a little different than the others.  We meandered around an artsy neighborhood with lots of clothing and music shops as we made our way back into the center of town but it was too early for anything to be open. 

We roamed the city some more, strolling through the Burg, browsing the jewelry and art at the former fish market turned flea market and making purchases.  We walked through charming little courtyards, narrow alleyways, along the canals.  On Lut’s recommendation we made our way to Begijnhof, a collection of buildings used to house pious women set around a courtyard full of blooming daffodils.  No talking is allowed within the walls- it is a very tranquil place.  Another very peaceful place we visited was Minnewaterpark, just a short stroll away from Begijnhof.  People relaxed in pairs on park benches or in groups on blankets spread in the grass among the tulip beds.
We got lunch from a little sandwich shop we’d found in a narrow alley earlier that day-we all shared scrumptious ham & cheese and salami & cheese sandwiches toasted and served warm.  We sat by a canal and savored the beautiful weather as much as our paninis.  The sun was shining, the air was warm, spring flowers were blooming- it was a beautiful spring day in Bruges.  We spent the rest of our afternoon roaming around, visiting Astridpark, sitting on park benches and taking in the laidback feeling.  We ambled through residential areas and did a little shopping along one of Bruges main retail streets.  Throughout our walk we’d come upon live performers and musicians- flutists playing in a church courtyard, a guitar player by a city gate, and a particularly awesome dude playing the didgeridoo in the Burg. 
We decided to have one last waffle before we left and stopped at De Vier Winden restaurant near the Markt.  We were given a nice seat outside near a heater so that we could enjoy the views of the square.  Our French waiter was superb- when we ordered wine, he presented us with the bottle and made sure I approved before pouring.  He called us Madame or Mademoiselle.  He was attentive but not overbearing.  By the end of the night he had us giggling and blushing. 




We bought a bottle of wine and relished our last night in Bruges.  Everything was closed, the streets were mostly deserted.  We walked around, talked, laughed and looked in shop windows as we wandered around the maze of streets we’d gotten to know in the two days we’d been there- it was like we had Bruges to ourselves. 
That next morning we loaded up our packs, called a taxi and headed to the train station for the next leg of our trip- Paris, France. Our few days in Bruges were full of exploring and discovering.  Spring flowers were in full bloom- we enjoyed tulips and pansies and fields of daffodils.  For me the highlight of this segment of the trip was just weaving in and out of the city streets, alleys and passageways, taking in a new view with each turn.  I can’t imagine a more delightful time to be in Bruges than the springtime.
 

5 Hour Layover in ATL


 
 
Five Hour Layover in the Atlanta Airport
March 31, 2012

Most of us dread a long layover.  We either want to get where we’re going or just get home and the only thing standing in our way is endless sitting around an airport.  When I was informed that my sisters and I had been moved from a flight with a 2-hr layover to a flight with a 5-hour layover on our way to Europe I was not thrilled.  But with restaurants to enjoy, shops to browse, and even art exhibits to take in we decided to make the most of our time and enjoy our 5-hour layover in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). 

We arrived from Akron/Canton Regional Airport right around noon and decided the first thing we’d do was get lunch.  We wanted Southern food and chose to eat at Paschal’s Restaurant, located in Concourse C.  Our server was a feisty little woman that gave advice like ‘Oh, you don’t want that- this is better!’ and ‘You sure you can eat all that?’  We had a feast of gumbo, mac & cheese, fried chicken and cornbread.  Our server called out ‘You girls have a fun time now!’ as we left.

Next we headed to Xpress Spa in Concourse A for manicures.  We were lucky there are two locations because the one in Concourse C was already full.  Xpress Spa is an oasis in the middle of the airport.  They took our bags and stowed them in lockers.  We were all ushered to massage chairs, given warm towels to refresh, shown a selection of nail polish colors and then received a very pampering manicure.  I loved every minute of it and my nails looked great for almost two weeks.  I definitely plan to visit Xpress Spa anytime I'm in an airport where they are located. 

In the last hour before boarding I wandered around the lower hallways connecting the concourses.  Several art exhibits are displayed in these areas.  I enjoyed a collection of sculptures from Zimbabwe and a series of photographs taken in Antarctica.  Then the girls and I went to On the Border Mexican Restaurant in Course T, just up from our gate, to enjoy some big margaritas before boarding.
We could not believe how quickly the time flew by.  We didn’t even have time to browse any of the clothing & accessory shops, newsstands or gadget stores.   We spent a very fun five hours in between flights at the Atlanta Airport.  Great airport amenities definitely make a long layover bearable if not enjoyable.

Solo Trip- In Chicago on Business

In Chicago on Business
February 19-24, 2012

I was thrilled when I was told I was to attend a week-long microscope training course at McCrone Research Institute in Chicago, Illinois.  I’d wanted to visit Chicago for years but it always lost out to another destination when it came time to pick a new place to go.  But with many attractions open in the evenings after I was out of training, I could make the most of my time in Chicago and finally see a little bit of the city.

I packed up my vehicle and left on Sunday morning, following Interstate 77 North to I-80W to I-90W toward Chicago.  I’d always thought Chicago was just a little too far for a weekend getaway but it was an easy drive and I made it into Chicago in the early afternoon.  I stayed at the Essex Inn based on the facts that it had a daily shuttle to the training center and a huge pool area on the roof.  I was not disappointed.  The pool and gym area was one of the best I’ve ever seen in any business hotel I’ve stayed at.  My room was comfortable and the hotel staff was friendly and helpful. 
Another great perk of the hotel was the ideal location on South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop district.  After checking in, I put on my hat, gloves, scarf and coat and headed out for a little winter walk around the neighborhood.  I crossed the street and walked south through Grant Park toward an area I’d seen as I was driving in- the Agora exhibit, a group of 106 huge cast iron legs and feet assembled in a courtyard.


From there I walked north through the park along Michigan Avenue, past the Art Institute of Chicago and to the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, passing sculptures and light installations along the way.  Chicago is alive at night and there were many visitors at the Cloud Gate enjoying the Luminous Field experience, a fusion of music and light displayed against the big reflective bean.  Others enjoyed ice skating in the rink nearby.  After exploring the area a little, I headed back to my hotel.

When asked for Chicago deep-dish pizza recommendations the front desk recommended Lou Malnati’s (805 South State Street), a pizza place nearby that delivered to the hotel.  I ordered an individual-sized Classic Cheese Deep-dish Pizza.  I had no idea how much pizza that would actually be.  With the cheese below the chucky sauce, Chicago-style pizza is definitely different than what I’m used to but I loved it!  Still, I was only able to eat one piece of the very substantial pizza pie.

After a long first day of training, I decided to spend Monday night exploring the neighborhood a little.  I ended up making my way up State Street and down Wabash, taking in the lightscapes, the artwork displayed in little corner gardens and stopping at many of the shoe stores and other retail shops as I went along.  All I can say is Chicago has some great window shopping!  On my way back to the hotel I ate at Jimmy Greens (825 South State Street), a sports pub type in the South Loop near my hotel.  While waiting for my dinner, the daily special of chicken tacos, I tried a Chicago Fire shooter, a drink made with cherry and dragonberry rum, red vodka and Red Bull.  This thing packed a punch- I literally skipped back to my hotel!


Tuesday night was full of excitement.  Armed with a tourist map of the city and the advice of the front desk I decided to make my way around that evening using Chicago’s underground and elevated rail system.  I made my way to the John Hancock Center, a 100-story building.  Instead of paying $15 for admission to the observation deck I went to the Signature Room, a restaurant and lounge situated on the 95 & 96th floors.  I enjoyed an amaretto sour expertly made by a gracious bartender while taking in the amazing view- $13 with tip.  Before leaving, I was sure to stop in the ladies room rumored to have the best view of all.  I have to agree.


As a huge fan of the Bravo series ‘Top Chef’, I am also a fan of Rick Bayless, a reoccurring guest of the show.  A Chicago-native friend suggested I try his restaurant Xoco (449 North Clark Street), telling me his sandwich shop was a great and inexpensive way to enjoy his food.  Although I arrived during normal dinner hours, I was immediately given a place along a little bar dedicated to singles.  I ordered the Woodland Mushroom sandwich and savored the blend of flavors. I regret opting against dessert as I hear the churros are delectable.  After dinner, I was excited to ride the iconic El train back to my hotel. 


On Wednesday I enjoyed pizza and sandwich leftovers and a little shopping.  After debating between selections at Aldo and Aerosoles, I decided to get a mini harmonica necklace from Aldo as well as leopard print loafers and studded black leather boots from Aerosoles.  I spent the rest of the evening enjoying the gym, pool and sauna at the hotel.
I knew that the Art Institute of Chicago was open late on Thursdays but I did not know until I arrived in Chicago and heard from the shuttle driver that it is also free that evening.  After walking through a wing of ancient Asian artwork, I was thrilled to find the ‘Fabric of a New Nation’ exhibit- I love doing needlework of my own and was very inspired by this exhibit of textile and needle arts.

After wrapping up the coursework and taking the certification exam on Friday morning, I headed home.  As I got on the highway, I thought about my week of evening excursions around this warm and welcoming city and how I look forward to visiting again soon.  There is so much more to see and do in Chicago- museums, music, theatre, art, shopping, food and nightlife.  The friendliness of Chicagoans should not go unmentioned.  While eating dinner one night I talked with a guy that said although he loves his native Atlanta he now calls Chicago home.  A man on the El platform and I chatted about our travels.  Anyone I asked for directions was more than happy to help.  To me Chicago has all the culture, sophistication and indulgences as New York City but with the friendliness that the people of the Midwestern states are known for.