Stockholm Video
August 18, 2010 Leave a Comment
This is one of the better videos that I’ve seen which provides a pretty good overview of the city of Stockholm. Enjoy!!
20 Reasons To Hate The Airlines
July 15, 2010 Leave a Comment
Check out this article published by Time Magazine: 20 Reasons to Hate the Airlines.
20 Reasons to Hate the Airlines
I don’t have 20, I just have one, they’re nickel and diming us to death, the fees are becoming outrageous, and the little add ons (like paying to board the plane first) feels like exploitation. When you love to travel and the airlines are shit, what do you do? Well, during my vacation in September, I plan on doing a lot of train travel through Europe, but I’m flying into Amsterdam. And, I really can’t stand the airline I’m using but they had one of the lower fares (though not the lowest), it’s a non- stop flight, and I can collect miles.
Someone please save us from the airlines!!
Going Around Stockholm
July 13, 2010 Leave a Comment
During my 6 day visit to Stockholm I took over 900 photos. I take photos of everything, everywhere. Sometimes I’m lucky and I get a really good one, sometimes I think it’s gonna be a really good one, and it’s only mediocre. But, with 900 photos, I’m bound to get a few good ones.
The following photos are the honorable mentions. The honorable mentions are photos that are not attached to any story, travel article, hotel, or restaurant review already posted on my blog. They’re just a mish-mash of photos taken here and there.
Los Angeles Arboretum
July 9, 2010 Leave a Comment
In March and April 2010 I visited San Diego, Seattle and Los Angeles. I did a lot of stuff and it occurred to me that I never posted the photos from this trip. I don’t know why I slipped up there. I wanna blame it on Facebook. Anyway…
While my husband was tied up all day in Los Angeles taking a 4-day screenwriting seminar, I decided to visit the Los Angeles Arboretum. I wanted to practice taking photos and using the new lens I had just purchased. It’s about a 30 – 40 minute drive outside of L.A. in the city of Arcadia. This 127 acre botanical garden is peaceful, the grounds are a photographers dream, at least I thought so. As I walked around, I saw a couple dressed in wedding attire riding on the back of a golf cart, no doubt on their way to take what were sure to be stunning wedding photos. Home to plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species, it also houses outdoor historical landmarks representative of the major phases of California history. The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a rich historical site that includes Native American, Rancho Period, and late 19th century treasures. In addition to concerts and tours, they offer activities and events that cater to every audience.
You can check out what I captured in the slide show below. Enjoy!!
Stockholm Restaurant Review: Back A Yard
July 8, 2010 Leave a Comment
Owner and Cook, John “Papa Bull” Carol
A little slice of Jamaica can be found in Stockholm’s trendy neighborhood of Södermalm in a restaurant called Back A Yard. The owner and cook, John “Papa Bull” Carol, creates traditional dishes straight from his native Jamaica The ambiance is cozy and the décor is colorful, with the Rastafarian red, yellow, and green themed throughout. The name “Back a Yard” is Jamaican slang for “At Home”; which is an accurate description of my experience The service is relaxed and the mellow reggae music coming from the speakers creates a “chillaxin” vibe throughout the restaurant.
The menu is rife with delectable choices ranging from the national dish of “Ackee and Saltfish” to the vegetarian “Ital Stew”. Of course, there is the requisite Jamaican staple “Jerk Chicken”; “jerk” referring to the spicy flavor of the dish. However, I decided to try something different, so I ordered the Fried Red Snapper which was smothered in a thyme-scented vegetable sauce, served with red beans and rice, cole slaw and potato salad.
Mural on Restaurant Wall
Roland My husband ordered the Ital Stew, “The Rastaman food”, a vegetarian stew made with seasonal vegetables in a base of coconut milk, seasoned with thyme, allspice, onion, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper.
Though it took a little while (about 30 minutes) to get our food, once it arrived it was delicious, and well worth the wait. The bar is just so-so, as they lack an experienced bartender. However, who needs a bartender when you can just do as it’s done in Jamaica, order a Red Stripe beer, and call it a day.
Back A Yard, Katarina / Sofia, Folkungagatan 128, 116 30 Stockholm +46-08-644 94 94
Back A Yard
Hotel Review: Scandic Anglais, Stockholm
July 5, 2010 Leave a Comment
Front Entrance
View from our Balcony
Located in the middle of upscale Östermalm, near ‘the happening” square Stureplan, The Scandic Anglais is moderately priced, clean, and trendy. Situated directly across from the Kungliga Biblioteket (The Royal Library) in Humlegården, a popular recreational area for locals; this hotel is the perfect base from which to start your daily visits around Stockholm. It’s near major attractions: Gamla Stan, Kungsträdgården, The Royal Palace, and the Tunnelbana (Subway Stop: Östermalmstorg ) is nearby, connecting you to Stockholm’s extensive public transportation network.
We made this hotel our home for our 6 night stay in Stockholm. Our room was a King room (2 twin beds placed directly beside each other) with a balcony, and a marble tiled bathroom with an extra deep tub. The espresso colored furniture was modern and attractive. There was a comfortable chaise lounge that also turned into a sleeper. The service throughout our stay was without complaint. Breakfast, which is included in the room rate, had a few organic items, along with fresh squeezed orange juice, and was plentiful. Early into our stay I ran out of battery power for my computer and had not yet purchased an adapter. After a few failed attempts in locating one, we went to the front desk clerk again for help. And, after finding out that I had a Mac, front desk clerk stated he had a Mac as well, and that I could use his cord to charge my battery. This was above and beyond the call of duty. But, this is the level of service I found throughout my entire stay. Our room was cleaned everyday. It seemed as soon as we left, when we got back it was clean, even if we had only left for an hour or two. The bar (Bar101) is a local hangout, which is nice for a change. Typically you only find fellow travelers in the hotel bar.
Restaurant Lighting
The only complaint I have about this hotel is the noise level. The hotel is located in an area noisy from traffic and nightlife. At times it feels as if there isn’t any insulation whatsoever, as the noise feels like it’s right outside your window. The wood flooring is attractive, however, again, the noise level from the floor above can be distracting, and the thin walls allowed me to hear my upstairs neighbors and their sexcapades. Other than this….I loved this hotel. And, I would consider staying here again upon my next visit to Stockholm.
I went on a great little walking tour from the hotel. You can follow my steps here: Stockholm Walking Tour 1
Kungliga Biblioteket in Humlegården
Stockholm Walking Tour 1
July 5, 2010 1 Comment
Click to Enlarge Map
Starting at Stureplan (the square on the corner of Kungsgatan and Sturegatan), cross the street and head west down Kungsgatan. Cross Sveavägan, staying on Kungsgatan, walking past the big blue Konserthuset (Concert House) until you reach Hötorget Square. Take time to peruse this outdoor market, grab something to eat, and find a spot on the stairs outside Konserthuset like a true local. Then head back down Kungsgatan for one more block and turn left (south) onto Drottninggatan.
Drottninggatan, running about a mile long, is central Stockholm’s main shopping street. As you make your way down Drottninggatan, you will come upon Sergels Torg. Sergels Torg, finished in 1960, became central Stockholm’s main square. It has two levels. At the top level, cars meet at a busy traffic junction, marked by a glass obelisk that was erected in 1972. Down the steps is a pedestrian area with an underground shopping centre. Dozens of street performers and musicians entertain the crowd during the Summer. At Sergels Torg you will also find the huge Kulturhuset (house of culture). This five-story building houses art exhibitions, Stadsteatern (the city theatre), a few smaller stages for all kinds of performances, a library, shops and a café.
Continue down Drottninggatan until you reach Sveriges riksdag (The Swedish Parliament building). You will know you’ve reached it once you’ve crossed the bridge that places you in front of an stone archway. At this point Drottninggatan becomes Riksgatan. Walk through this archway, and you’re now next to the Royal Palace. Turn right (east) onto Slottskajen, which runs alongside the palace. Take Slottskajen to Strömbrom a bridge that will place you across the street from Kungsträdgården. A short easy detour from this route is to make a right Norrbro (north bridge) and that will take you to the Medieval Museum. You can back track back to Slottskajen.
Kungsträdgården, a formal royal garden, provides a nice place to relax and meander through. Continue north, and you will end up on Hamngatan. Go right (east) on Hamngatan until you reach the intersecting Birger Jarlsgatan where you will find Kungliga Dramatiska Teater (The Royal Dramatic Theatre) on the corner. Make a left (north) on Birger Jarlsgatan, and it will lead you back to Stureplan; exactly where you started.
Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s Old Town
July 4, 2010 2 Comments
The first time I walked through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, I was awestruck. That trip to Stockholm was my first visit to a European city. I was filled with wonder at how long this town had been around. I had stepped back in time as I walked amongst buildings that were standing in the early 1300‘s, 1400‘s, 1500‘s; it was absolutely awesome. I loved the beauty of the ornate details, the decorated doorways, and added flourish. I wondered why we no longer added embellishments to our buildings.
10 years later, and I’m still drawn to the quaintly charm of Gamla Stan. Nothing that I notice has changed; with the exception that the last time I was here, it was the middle of winter and this time around it’s a perfect summer day, and it is completely overrun with tourists. Still, it’s worth the visit. Strolling the ancient cobblestone streets, and exploring the narrow passageways, I can almost see how life was in the 1300’s. Much of the original medieval stonework remains behind the visible facades.
The main artery, Västerlånggatan was lined with small shops, and houses on either side in the early 1300‘s, and today it’s still throbbing with crowds and its cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, souvenir stands, boutiques selling traditional Swedish clothing, candy and ice cream shops, and even a 7-11. However, modernity does not take away from the feeling that you’ve immersed yourself in medieval history. This is a place to relax your pace, enjoy a cup of coffee, take a meal at one of the many cafes, eat outdoors, and admire the surroundings. When you’re ready to leave the crowds behind, just walk onto one of the many small streets, and even smaller alleyways. The seclusion makes for excellent photo taking opportunities. Make sure to take the 36 steep steps down through Stockholm’s narrowest alley way – Mårten Trotzigs Gränd. If you stretch out your arms you can touch the buildings on both sides.
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Returning to Stockholm: 10 Years Later
June 15, 2010 Leave a Comment
Towards the end of the month, I’m returning to stockholm. I lived there for a brief between 1999 and 2000. I’m returning, after a 10 year absence. It’s exciting. I’m looking forward seeing what has changed, what has stayed the same, the new hot spots. Stockholm is a beautiful city in the summer time. It’s set on a series of Island, affording many perfect picture taking opportunities.
During this trip I’m going to write and post daily to this blog, and share some of my photos. I plan on participating in enough interesting activities to write about. Let’s hope this plan comes to fruition.
San Diego Restaurant Review: Mama Testa
April 26, 2010 3 Comments
- Mama Testa
Put Some Mexican In You!!
I know Mexican food. OK. Maybe not like a Mexican. But, growing up in San Diego, I grew up eating real “hole-in-da-wall” Mexican Food. Or, what I thought was authentic Mexican food. Until I saw Cesar Gonzalez (the owner of Mama Testa), on the Food Network, Throwing it down with show host Bobby Flay claiming he had the best tacos in town…and that for the past 3 years running his place has won Best Fish Tacos in San Diego…I was like: wait – a – minute!! I’ll be the judge of that. So…I headed over to Mama Testa
When you enter Mama Testa…you are greeted by brightly painted walls, the atmosphere is casual…it looks like any small Mexican food joint. The chairs are hand painted with names of legendary film stars from Mexico, and there are posters of famous Mexican movies hanging from the ceiling. The menu reflects the various types of tacos you would find in the varying regions in Mexico.
You can always tell how close you are to authentic Mexican food when you check out the Salsa bar and the most importantly the Guacamole. When dining at Americanized Mexican food restaurants…they seem to have a love of sour cream. Huh? What is that about? If that Guacamole isn’t lumpy from fresh avocados, and it is creamy in any way….that’s a sign…you’re getting Americanized Mexican. They’ve added sour cream. There are “only” six ingredients that go into prime guacamole: avocado, cilantro, lime, onion, tomatoes, and salt. And, maybe…maybe a jalapeno or two. But that’s it. Well…we were off to a good start because the guacamole was “off the chain”.
My mother ordered the Chicken a L’Suya (2 corn tortillas filled with chicken in green mole sauce); I ordered the Guaca Tacos (3 corn tortillas tacos deep fried and filled with fresh avocado). They were both served up with refried beans and rice. We also decided to order up the De Bandera Moreno (5 rolled tacos with shredded beef) as an appetizer. This was a must try since I love me some rolled tacos.
As the food arrived I realized that I had made a mistake and accidentally had ordered the avocado stuffed tacos by mistake. Enter destiny. I decided to eat them anyway. Wow…what a pleasant surprise a mistake can make. They were delicious. In fact everything was delicious. I had to succumb and admit that Cesar Gonzalez had not embellished his product on TV. And, those rolled tacos were simply the best that I have ever had. Ever!
This was the first introduction to what became an 2 week love affair for the remainder of my stay in San Diego. I felt as if I was caught in a hot romance with a Latin lover that I just had to see every day… and I did. Seriously…I have the extra pounds to prove it.
When you visit Mama Testa you will enjoy authentic, traditional Mexican food.
If you’re ever in San Diego…get your butt up to Hillcrest and Put Some Mexican In You.
Guaca Tacos - Before
Guaca Tacos - After
Mama Testa Taqueria,
1417a University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
619-298-TACO
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