Phoenix

This week has flown by but I scheduled a weekend out of LA because I knew the last day of the week had potential to deflate any good feelings I have. Unfortunately, the potential was realized and I flew to Phoenix for a spa weekend. Since it is the low season, I got a ridiculously low rate at the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria collection hotel by Hilton. It included one spa treatment for each night. Screaming deal made easier by a Southwest award ticket. I have to say, Southwest's motto of available seats anytime for the award travel has drastically changed with the implementation of all the new policies. Barely could find a flight out of LA using that award ticket.

The Biltmore is very impressive. I hadn't realized the history of this hotel, built in the 1920's. This is also a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design and every president since Hoover has stayed at this hotel. Very impressive facilities, at least the lobby, restaurant, bar, and conference rooms.

DC

Usually in DC in July for work but this year's event was scheduled a month earlier than usual. It has been suprisingly mild, the humidity wasn't around much. Watched the Nationals at their new stadium. Stadium was nice, seats we had had a good view of the game even though we were somewhat far. The stadium food wasn't really that great, at least in comparison to other baseball stadiums.

Stayed at the Capital Hilton. Got a corner room, the bathroom was interesting. Separate tub and shower. The tub was a whirlpool but the fixtures were gold. That's definitely old school. Was tempted to use but the medal fixtures looked like it hadn't been cleaned in awhile.


Also rented a car, a very compact Hyundai Accent. I have to say, Hyundai is making some appealing cars these days. The Accent was small enough to navigate downtown and fit into tight spaces and was comfortable. At least for me...

Toronto

Visiting my brother and his wife. She is expecting within the next few months and wanted to see them before my travels (work and personal) got in the way from visiting. Luckily, they've said they'll come out to LA early next year with the baby. Wierd to finally be an aunt....Visited the Canadian version of Ikea and I am happy to report that it looks the same as the US versions. My brother is convinced that having a baby isn't that expensive. I guess if you're shopping at Ikea and Costco, it isn't.

Tried a new dim sum place in Chinatown. Pretty tasty to me but my brother felt it was average and better to be had in Richmond Hill. I'll trust his judgement as the local. Of course, since I was in Canada, I also went a little nuts and bought some mangosteens and dragonfruit. Apparently, Canada is more trusting of Asian fruit than the US.

Saw some other touristy place of Toronto - St. Lawrence Market and The Beaches. St. Lawrence was pretty cool, it is an indoor farmer's market, bought some meat for dinner. Bought some pate which turned out to be mediocre. The Beaches was interesting, Lake Ontario looks pretty big. Compared to Chicago, I liked Toronto's version. It just seemed cleaner and better somehow, helped that the water didn't smell.

Following the setting sun, I'm in Canada!

Drove north from Ithaca to Toronto via Buffalo. It was a very scenic drive as always. The only positive of my day after finding out money was taken out of my wallet. Got a Sebring convertible from Avis. I figured it be a more comfortable ride than the Hyundai Elantra. I must say I'm impressed with the current model, vast improvement. Mercedes Benz was a good influence on Chrysler, too bad it didn't work out.

Couldn't figure out Niagara Falls on the US side, so I saw it on the Canadian side. Ironic, eh? Get it?!? Pretty awesome sight, I'm very impressed by the sheer magnitude. No piddly waterfall will ever come close to that.

Made it to Toronto as the sun set at 9 pm. I've heard of long days but this is pretty impressive.

Ithaca

On my way to Ithaca, NY for a conference at Cornell University. This will be the first time I'm flying into Ithaca airport. Not an easy airport to get to from California but I lucked out with a reasonable fare this time around. Or has airfares risen so much that it looks reasonable? I'm flying on US Scare aka US Airways and have a short layover in the Philadelphia airport.


I am staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Ithaca. I am returning to this hotel and am given a suite in this hotel. I don't think they get many diamond members in this property. :D I certainly appreciate the two room suite and separate shower and tub. I'm tempted to use the whirlpool tub. The pub downstairs makes suprisingly good food and priced well.

Famous sighting of the day: Tyrese Gibson. Only realized who he was when some people wanted to shake his hand and talked about the Transformer movie. Wherever he was flying from, his destination is Miami today.

Visited a local winery with some colleagues, Americana Vineyards - www.amerianavineyards.com. Wines around here tend to be the sweet kind, my kind of wine. Bought some bottles and fudge too! Went to the Cayuga Creamery afterwards, had some very yummy ice cream. Not as good as Cornell ice cream which I had the very next day.

Hollywood, Florida

Decided to fly in and out of Ft. Lauderdale and am overnighting it here for my very early morning flight. Staying in an airport hotel, Hampton Inn, and had a very pleasant meal at Antonio's. They claim to be a true Italian pizzeria and seemed authentic enough to me. Great garlic rolls, the pizza was a very think and crispy crust. I'm not usually a fan of thin crust pizza but I would eat here again. On the way back to the hotel, I came across Jackson's Ice Cream Parlor, http://www.jaxsonsicecream.com. Very yummy and a great way to end my dinner. If you've ever visited a Cracker Barrel, Jackson's has a similar theme. Instead of a country store, it has a feel of a carnival with the popcorn machine and toys you would find at a fair. They serve your typical hamburger and hot dogs but the ice cream is a draw. Freshly made, the ice cream was very tasty.

Marcos Island

I've been here for most of the week for a conference. I've passed through Naples before but I've never been to Marcos Island. It is interesting that the Florida keys or islands are still connected to the mainland. I suppose it is due to the marsh terrain of Florida. Extremely muggy, the weather was nice with off and on thunderstorms throughout my stay. The conference was at the Marriott which seemed to be the largest hotel compound in the immediate area. Very nice rooms and decor. My friend got a full ocean view room on one of the top levels of the tower.

I stayed at the Hilton half a mile down the street. It wasn't as large of a compound but I found its smaller size much more intimate and cozier feeling. It also helped that I didn't have to go through hordes of colleagues through the lobby. The hotel seemed somewhat dated but still nice enough for my tastes. They were in the midst of building a full service spa as well.

Ate at a very good American bistro in Marcos Island. Verdi's Bistro, http://www.verdisbistro.com, was a very pleasant surprise in this area of pubs, resorts, and souvenir shops. I had the crispy duck which was fabulous. The meal was even more fabolous with the mini-bundt of german chocolate cake drizzled with homemade caramel sauce and toasted coconut.