Frankfurt Eats - Crew Prices and Great Food

Lynn Burnett (dcasw), one of our flight crew members who often flies to Frankfurt just gave me this card with high recommendations for the food the place serves. Thanks Lynn!!!

The Kund Kim Westend restaurant is a new restaurant located not far from our layover hotel. Please ask the concierge for directions. They serve "very good" German food, according to Lynn and they have an airline menu with discounted prices for crew. Bring your ID.

The restaurant's address is on the card I posted above, but if it's hard to read, here goes the address and phone number again.

KUND KIM WESTEND RESTAURANT
Arndtstrasse 24
60325 Frankfurt Am Main
tel - 069 - 742-287-87
)Good for lunch or dinner)

Do you have any restaurant favorites you wish to share? Please let us know. Pass this on. It's how we grow.

Sterilize Your Tooth Brush While Traveling

Cute, inexpensive and useful. What more can travelers ask for. Steripods, a clever, plastic clip-on contraption that covers your toothbrush to protect it and keep it bacteria free.

Where to get them? At you local pharmacy or in Amazon (link enclosed). They come in three packs, fit regular toothbrushes or electric ones and they sell for $5.99 a pack. All you have to do is "clip the Steripod onto your toothbrush...and the antibacterial system goes to work immediately". It's clinically proven to kill up to 90% bacteria for up to 90 days! Love it!

For more details on this handy product, please visit Steripod's official website at www.steri-pod.com or click on the the enclosed blue link below.

Happy trails traveling partners!

Amazon.com: Steripod Toothbrush Hygiene System (2 Pack Green and Blue): Health & Personal Care

New iPad Travel Applications

I don't own an iPad (yet), and I specially don't own the new, super-duper, extra light, fancy model iPad that is flying off the shelves as we speak (sigh). However, I've noticed that many of you, my travel partners, already own one of these snazzy, gorgeous machines and carry it in your flight bags. This post if for you.

National Geographic recently published a list of some of the "most impressive iPad travel applications on it's April 11th 2011 blog article. I've re-posted word for word from their article the segment with the list. If you wish to read the entire article, please click on the enclosed blue link at the end of this post.

So here it goes, iPad owners and travel partners, read on:

"...some of the more impressive new iPad travel apps...

• iMovie - $4.99
Optimized for the iPad, this app could transform you into a filmmaker. For travel videos, it’s amazing. It makes editing videos simple—little kids could do it. See the section below to read the full review.



• National Geographic National Parks Maps HD App - $4.99
This app pairs hi-res images of points-of-interest within National Geographic HD topo trail maps for 15 parks (Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, and ten others). The iPad’s Digital Compass will locate you within the park when you are ready to start exploring.

• JetSetter - Free
This visually stunning, content-driven travel app lets you discover travel destinations through a gorgeous layout and photography. The stories and editorial reviews will tantalize you to take a trip—and the app even allows you to book a hotel stay with a cool calendar feature. It also has “Flash Sale” limited-time travel deals.



• Word Lens - Free, $9.99 per language
This app utilizes the camera to photograph and translate text. Right now it only works for English to Spanish and Spanish to English. Still it’s a remarkable service on the iPad. It’s not perfect. I tried it on my friend Mark Adam's new book title, Turn Right at Machu Picchu. It came up with “Turno Correcto a Machu Picchu,” which is a little off, but the possibilities are exciting.


• TripAdvisor - Free
Thanks to the iPad’s digital compass, TripAdvisor’s vast database of user reviews are made available on Google Street maps. Simply locate yourself via the GPS, then read reviews of nearby restaurants and hotels positioned on a Google Street View map. What’s surprising is all the local information. I always considered TripAdvisor to be best for international hotels. But with the app, I located myself in my apartment in Brooklyn and it showed me all the restaurants and businesses on my street with contact info and user reviews. 



• Fotopedia Heritage - Free
Brilliant photos illustrate the world’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in this app. The Machu Picchu slide show alone has 59 images.



• FlightBoard - $3.99
This app quite simply lets you see the Arrivals and Departures flight boards in any airport. Pretty handy if you are dealing with weather delays.



• AllSubway HD - $.99
This is the first collection of subway maps from the world’s great cities, from Moscow to Munich to Perth. You don’t need a Wi-Fi connection to use it, so subterranean navigation is possible..."



plus..."Starting in May, Apple is going to offer free travel app workshops for consumers at their 200+ U.S. stores. At these workshops, Apple instructors will show the latest and best travel apps available".

I hope this helps all you iPad lovers, to embrace the new technology available through your amazing ipads. Who knows? maybe with some new applications, you can begin to produce memorable clips of your travel adventures with your iPad.

Adventure Travel - National Geographic Adventure Blog

Photo, courtesy of the Mac website. Pass this on. That's how we grow!

Paris Wine Museum

Dr. Oz says that drinking a daily glass of red wine is excellent for one's health. Why? because resveratrol, which is a powerful antioxidant that comes from the skins of grapes, "turns on a system in your body that prevents your cells from aging". Enough said, where do I sign up?

Well, with good health in mind, I recommend that the next time you visit Paris, you head straight for The Paris Wine Museum. Why? Well because you will be killing two birds with one shot - You'll have a glass of red wine, for your health of course, and you'll learn a bit of history while you're at it. Call it "healthy learning" if you wish.

The Wine Museum of Paris is conveniently located right across the Bir Hakeim Bridge, over the river Seine, near our layover hotel. Take the metro from the Bir Hakeim station, one stop down (over the river) to the Passy Metro station. Then, just walk down the Metro stairs, around the corner once, than again - to the right both times - and at the end of that very short street, you will find the museum in a cul-de-sac (dead end street) almost right below the Metro station (on the right side of it, if facing the river Seine).




I'm enclosing a map with the exact location for the museum and the museum's address below. for additional directions, speak to the hotel's concierge before you leave your hotel.

The Paris Wine Museum is housed in a historic building from the XV Century. Filled with ambiance, the building has vaulted ceilings and aged stone walls. The museum also houses a wonderful collection of quirky, ancient wine memorabilia and a quaint restaurant in the premises. Lunch is served from Tuesday to Sunday from 12am to 3pm via three set lunch menus. All these menus include, of course, some delicious wine. But wait, there's more! The museum also holds wine tasting classes on Saturdays. Please check their website in the (blue) link below for schedules and prices if interested.





FYI, if you choose to have lunch at the museum, you will get free admission to the museum. On the other hand, if you pay for admission, you will get a free glass of wine (or any beverage) included with the price of admission. Either way, you will get a chance to be healthy! Which is why you came here in the first place right?

So there you go my friends. You say "to health" and I say "Salud"!

Musée du Vin Paris
5/7 Square Charles Dickens
Rue des Eaux
75016 PARIS
France

Tél : +33 (0)1 45 25 63 26
Fax : +33 (0)1 40 50 91 22

The Wine Museum's Restaurant
Tuesday to Saturday - lunch only
(12 am to 3 pm)

(The restaurant is closed from December 24th
to January 4th)

To make reservations call : +33 (0)1 45 25 63 26
info@museeduvinparis.com

Paris Wine Museum - Home

Moscow - Cafe Margarita - Beer, Blinis and Fantastic Live Music

The Cafe Margarita in Moscow. Ahhh, The Cafe Margarita...what can I say about this wonderful, tiny Russian music venue? ...Well, for starters it packs a lot of punch for a tiny space. It's the size of your grandmothers TV room or library (and it looks like it too) and it's located in a corner, right across Patriarch's Pond (not very far from our hotel in downtown Moscow). The cafe comes alive in the evenings, when a trio of young, virtuoso musicians - two violinists and one pianist - begin their music sessions by playing beautiful soulful tunes for the audience to sing along.

If you go, don't forget to partake in the singing or in the "marraca" playing. Marracas, in this case, are home made percussion instruments made up of plastic bottles filled with beans. These are handed out to customers, so they can follow along with the musicians as they play. Participation, is part of the fun, so jump right in. You'll have a magical evening that you'll never forget, even long after your gone.


The cafe itself, is an adorable, small and intimate space that attracts a casual crowd. It's so small in fact, that you'd best make a reservation before you go, just in case it fills up before you make it there. The Cafe Margarita only takes cash, so do bring your rubles! In addition, they offer a simple menu of typical Russian food. I've sampled their strawberry blinis (crepes filled with fruit) and they were amazing! I would recommend them to anyone. I've also consumed a so, so fresh salad and a pretty tasty Russian soup. In the Russian tradition, the cafe also serves local and Check beers, aromatic teas, mixed drinks, and of course, vodka! Nastrovia!!! But it's the music show what you're here to experience, so sit back and enjoy.


The Cafe Margarita is an excellent choice for a late night snack or if you just want an adult beverage or some delicious hot tea to warm you up from the cold. Getting there is part of the fun. It's a very pretty walk from our hotel to the Cafe. Along the way, you'll pass some very high end residential neighborhoods that surround Patriarch's Pond. There are also a series of exclusive European boutiques (photos enclosed), French cafes, expensive and modern looking restaurants plus a Wine bar and a lovely looking Viennese pastry shop along the way making you feel as if you were walking the streets of Soho in New York, rather than a neighborhood in downtown Moscow.




Before going into The Cafe Margarita, be sure to take a stroll around Patriarchs Pond right across the street. It's like a miniature Central Park with a pond in the middle and a bench lined walk path that surrounds the water. The pond is a popular ice skating destination for the kids in the neighborhood. If there's ice and/or snow on the ground, they will be there "en force". The last time I visited Patriarch's Pond, there was an impressive ice sculpture exhibit along the water (photo enclosed). There was also an art exhibit of super large format photographs by the walking paths. Once you're done visiting the park (and pond), head to the Cafe Margarita and enjoy the experience.



By the way, The Cafe Margarita is a must experience if you visit Moscow. It is also, one of the top five recommendations of "things to do while in Moscow", posted by the New York Times's Travel Section. For additional information on the Margarita Cafe, Google it. Be sure to put Moscow in the end of the name. There are many individual posts and reviews about the place from previous Moscow visitors.

For more information on The Cafe Margarita's history, please click on the following link: http://www.passportmagazine.ru/restaurants/1073/ The cafe has gone through many re-incarnations since it's initial opening. Read it's history and laugh, it's actually pretty humorous. The name of the cafe is based on a famous Russian book authored by Mikhail Bulgakov (1891-1940), The Master and Margarita. Sadly, Bulgakov's brilliant literary work was suppressed by the Stalinist regime for over forty years.

If interested in reading this book, Amazon sells several English translations. You can also visit The Master and Margarita's official website at: http://www.masterandmargarita.eu/en/. By the way, The Master and Margarita's story takes place, not surprisingly, around Patriarch's Pond.

Cafe Margarita
Address: Malaya Bronnaya ul. 28
Metro: Mayakovskaya or Pushkinskaya
Phone: 699 6534
Open until midnight

Moscow - New Cool eating Diggs!

Just flew Moscow this past month and I found two new restaurants steps away from our layover hotel. Yes, they have English translated menus! What a relief! and one cafe is right next to the other, so here it goes.

The first one is The Icebox Cafe. This is a very modern, Starbucks type cafe with free wi-fi, modern decor, and a relaxing atmosphere where one can linger for hours cruising the net, with out causing a stir. They specialize in pastries, coffees, and simple pre-made salads and sandwiches that you can eat while you are there or you can take back to your room.


The second place is called Biskotti Cafe and you wouldn't know this by reading the sign in the street that reads BNCKOTTN (photo enclosed), but your clue to find this restaurant will be the red bench that sits out in the street, right in front of the place. This is a reasonably priced, western style restaurant, that serves a large variety of international dishes. It also has free wi-fi and offers a relaxing dining atmosphere with hip, modern decor and great music in the background. I had a delicious mozzarella and tomato salad, plus a wonderful shrimp risotto during my first visit. On my second visit, I had a yummy Beef Strogonoff served with wild mushroom over creamy, home-made mashed potatoes. Not bad at all, I promise. Prices are reasonable - About ten dollars per entree and lots of options on the menu.







The location of these places is as follows. Make a right from the front door of the hotel, walk to the corner. Make a right as if you were going to the food market. Walk past the market to the next block on the same side, and just past the fancy men's clothing store (you're still on the same side as the food market), you will see first the Icebox Cafe, and right past it, the Biskotti Cafe. Remember, look for the red bench.

Enjoy these two new, nice eating options nearby the hotel in Moscow. They are really perfect spots to get nice snacks and meals while you're on a short stay in Moscow.

Do you have any favorite watering holes or eating spots in Moscow? Let us know, so we can share them with everyone. Send pictures too, so we can see what you are talking about and don't forget to share this with your flying partners. That's how we grow!

DC - Capital Bikeshare and Other Bike Rentals in DC

I went biking last week in downtown DC and it was wonderful! I had forgotten how exhilarating it was to cruise freely past crowds and traffic while able to view gorgeous monuments, museums and Potomac river sights. So much to see guys! World class museums from the Smithsonian; Memorials and monuments; Historical sites; The White House; The Capitol building plus all the lovely green areas in The Mall.

Don't miss the brand new FDR Memorial on the Reflecting Pond. It's gorgeous and very moving. A must stop if you choose to do the bike thing. And then of course, there's spring. It's here in DC already, I swear! Two weeks ago I saw the buds on the Cherry Trees screaming to bloom. They were just, just there. One more week (or two) and they're in full bloom. So NOW is the moment guys, to catch this awesome display of color downtown in DC.

So where does one get a bike? Well, I have two suggestions for you. One offers you a bike with the option of a lock and/or a helmet (if you want). The other one does not. The first option is good for those who plan to make stops along the way. Maybe to view a new exhibit in The Smithsonian? You get my drift. So, here are the options.

OPTION ONE - Capital Bike Share - This is a new "bike sharing" program in the District of Columbia (downtown DC), that offers brand new bikes for rent by the hour, by the day or by the week, from a variety of stations in downtown DC. Check their website www.capitalbikeshare.com for prices and options. These are easy bikes to use/rent. I used one this past week, and it was a breeze to rent. All you'll need is a major credit card for the transaction and you're pretty much set to go. The first 30 minutes are free. Then, there's an additional charge every 30 minutes. Check their website for exact charges. The only draw back, as I mentioned before, is that these bikes don't offer a "lock up" option, other that to return them to another bike base station. Oh well. Otherwise they are great. Brand new and with three speeds. All you'll need to fly down the scenic bike paths of DC.




OPTION TWO - Rental bikes from Thompsons Boat House in Georgetown's waterfront. The bikes that are available for rent here, are less jazzy than the ones offered by Bike Share, but they are sturdy and comfortable cruising bikes. Also, you can ask for a lock, as I mentioned before, if you plan to stop along the way. This will give you a little more freedom to wander around the sites "sans" bike (with out the bike). Something to think about. I'm enclosing a photo of Thompsons Boathouse's board with rental charges below. You can also rent Kayaks if you're feeling adventuresome! The boathouse is located right next to the Georgetown Marina (to the left if you're looking directly at the Potomac). The Marina, is a great waterfront spot filled with trendy restaurants, popular with the locals, specially, during sunny days. Worth a visit!






So there you go. It's your decision, Boathouse bikes or Shared Bikes. Both good options. Don't miss out and get out there to see the city from a completely different perspective, One that I promise, you will always remember and you will most definitely enjoy!

For more info on Capital Bike Share, click on the blue link enclosed below and enjoy! And remember, it's real easy to get a bike in DC and it's a fun way to get around guys!!!

PS- If you want to check out both bike options before renting, go to the Georgetown Marina. There's a Shared Bikes station right in front of the Danish Embassy, in the alley, steps away from Thompson Boat House (photo of map enclosed).



Capital Bikeshare

Photos, courtesy of Capital Bike Share's website.