From khakis and pullovers to cardigans and jewelry, here are tips for men and women to get maximum efficiency out of a carry-on bag.
By Christine Ajudua, Jessica Shaw, Rima Suqi, Travel+Leisure
When it comes to an urban travel wardrobe, men are lucky—they can get away with a basic uniform, built around a button-down shirt, jeans or khakis, and a sweater or blazer. It’s important to pack neutral colors that can mix and match. With the following pieces, you’ll be able to go the distance.
His: Tips for the Perfect Carry-on
1. Wrinkle-free fabrics do matter
A number of companies are reinventing the classic button-down in high-tech fabrics that repel stains and creases.
2. Wear your blazer
A sport jacket in a dark color works in every situation, from the airplane to dinner at the restaurant.
3. Pile on the layers
A basic pullover is a travel staple. Pair it with a collared shirt and tie for a polished nighttime look; a T-shirt works during the day. Vests are also great for layering. They’re an easy add-on and very much in style this season. Go for a lighter weight, as it will travel best.
4. Two pairs of pants will do the job
Pack khakis and black trousers, which can be laundered as you go.
5. Jeans will go the distance
Dark-washed denim travels well.
6. Put your best foot forward
Look for walking shoes or dark sneakers that are smart enough to wear out at night, but also comfortable for sightseeing.
7. Protect your clothing from spills
Ensure that your Dopp kit will actually keep liquids contained if something leaks. (If not, use Ziploc bags.) Another idea to keep your bag light: bring grooming products that multitask. Many shower gels on the market double as shampoo and face wash. And instead of shaving cream, try an oil—it eliminates the need for aftershave lotion.
8. Make sure your carry-on can be carried on
Check the airline’s website for size and weight requirements, which can vary.
Hers: Tips for the Perfect Carry-on
For most women, traveling light is a challenge. Our rule: every piece must be able to multitask. Limit your color palette, opt for solids or simple prints, and choose items that can be layered. And always look for wrinkle-free fabrics. Stick to these strategies and you may never have to check a bag again.
1. A basic dress will work wonders
Choose a solid color that can transition easily from day to night and will coordinate with other items in your wardrobe.
2. Three pairs of pants is all you need
Denim can be dressed up or down—especially darker washes. Black pants are another travel staple. They go with almost everything, and they don't get as dirty as other colors. And why not take your yoga pants beyond the studio: when paired with a cardigan, knit top, and ballet flats, they can be worn during the day.
3. Top it off
Bring a stylish top—it’s a quick way to create a chic outfit. You can also layer it under a cardigan for a more casual daytime look.
4. Stock up on simple long- and short-sleeved T’s
They’re great basics that can be layered under almost anything or worn on their own.
5. You can’t go wrong with a white shirt
A simple button-down works anywhere—on a gallery visit or for a night on the town.
6. Accessorize
Have fun with your jewelry, which doesn’t take up much space, yet makes every outfit seem new. Also, don’t underestimate the value of a belt. Just as jewelry will spice up an outfit, it can create a new look.
7. Limit yourself to three pairs of shoes
That’s it: a pair of flats, sensible heels to go out at night, and athletic shoes for exercise and pounding the pavement.
8. Embrace a cardigan
It can help transform an outfit. Lightweight knit cashmere travels best. A shawl will work, too. You can wear it on the plane, and it can be used as an evening wrap or accent piece.
9. And lastly, don't let your suitcase weigh you down
Make sure your bag is light enough to lift into the overhead.
Source: MSN Travel
Monday, November 10, 2008
His and Hers: Packing the Perfect Carry-on
Packing Tips for the Smart Traveler
With ever-changing airline rules and restrictions, packing can be a nightmare—but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some of the latest techniques for stress-free packing.
By Christine Ajudua, Jessica Shaw, Rima Suqi, Travel+Leisure
How to pack in five easy steps
Our easy-to-follow instructions for organizing your suitcase—and techniques for folding and rolling your clothes for a wrinkle-free arrival.
1. Distribute weight intelligently
Put heavier items on the bottom of your suitcase. This includes shoes (in shoe bags), rolled jeans, and blazers (folded into dry-cleaner bags). Lighter pieces go at the top.
2. Use bags to organize
Ziplocs are great for small accessories and toiletries. If you’re not checking, make sure cosmetics are on the top of your packed suitcase, for easy access as you go through security. To protect undergarments from damage (and prying TSA agents), place them in a lingerie bag.
3. Roll your casual clothes
This approach minimizes creasing and maximizes space. It’s best for lighter-weight pieces—cotton shirts, khakis, jeans—not bulkier items like sweaters (see step 4). Put compactly rolled pieces in organization cubes to create extra room. Roll smaller items (yoga pants, socks) and use them to fill in air holes.
4. Fold sweaters and delicate items
Bulky articles should be folded and placed in compression sacks, like the Spacepak Bags from Flight 001. Delicate pieces can be protected from wrinkles by using tissue paper and dry-cleaner bags. Dress shirts and skirts should be folded and separated by tissue paper.
5. Don’t forget the laundry
Bring a laundry sack (or extra-large Ziploc) and stuff it with a few dryer sheets to keep everything smelling fresh. Put it at the back of the suitcase, so that clean clothes are easily accessible during the trip.
Pre-packing checklist
How can you prepare for next trip? Here, T+L offers our checklist of eight simple—yet easily forgotten—steps to take before departure.
One week before takeoff
Freshen up your Suitcases
Air out your bags before you pack. And next time you put luggage away, leave lavender sachets by L’Occitane en Provence (loccitane.com) in the pockets.
Stock up on storage bags for small items
Our favorites: Stephanie Johnson (stephaniejohnson.com) designs stylish Dopp kits with protective plastic interiors; a nylon-lined cotton sack by Zazendi (zazendi.com) is well suited for wet swim gear; and the drawstring laundry bag by Flight 001 (flight001.com) is treated with polyurethane, which keeps odors under wraps.
Three days before takeoff
Get your gadgets in order
Empty memory cards and charge your phone and camera. Consolidate power cords, chargers, and extra batteries in your carry-on (new DOT regulations prohibit putting them in checked luggage). Pick up the Tumi Electronics Charger Kit (tumi.com), with adapters that work in 150 countries.
Refill necessary prescriptions
Bring medications with you on the plane; make sure they are properly labeled according to TSA requirements.
Copy important documents
Carry paper duplicates of your passport, visa, and itinerary, and e-mail yourself electronic copies. With a password-protected itinerary on Google Docs, close friends and family can keep track of where you are.
Pare down your travel wallet
Only bring essential documents: driver’s license, medical insurance cards, passport, and credit cards. (T+L Tip: Alert your bank and credit card companies before you depart, so that they won’t be alarmed by out-of-town charges and ATM withdrawals.)
One day before takeoff
Record the contents of your suitcase.
Take pictures of your clothes, shoes, and jewelry, which will serve as documentation if your bag is lost or stolen. Download the shots onto your home computer, just in case.
Source: MSN Travel
Thursday, October 16, 2008
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a test of English language proficiency, developed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. There are two different IELTS tests that you can take: Academic and General. The former is used for university entrance in English Speaking countries.
IELTS is not a test that you can pass or fail. Your assessment will be reported according to a scale from bands one to nine. Band one indicates that you have virtually no English at all. Band nine is native speaker proficiency. Universities in Australia typically require a band score of between 6 and 7.
For which band you need to obtain, you will have to contact the university you wish to enter to find out the IELTS score they require for entry into your chosen course.
The IELTS does not test any specific knowledge. Rather, the test questions have been designed to reflect the general interests of people from an educated background.
Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules.
The total time needed to complete the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
IELTS Registration
IELTS test centers are run by either British Council, IDP Education Australia or Cambridge Examinations and IELTS Inc. Most centers are either British Council offices, IDP Education Australia offices or universities/language schools. There are currently more that 300 IELTS test centers in over 120 countries world-wide.
To search for a test center, please visit the official IELTS website at:
http://www.ielts.org/testcentresandexaminers/article3.aspx
IELTS FAQ
1. Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and in this same order. The Speaking test can be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
2. Is there a similar period of ten minutes at the end of the Reading test for the transfer of answers?
No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.
3. Can I complete the Listening and Reading answer sheet in pen?
No. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.
4. Can I make some notes on the Listening and Reading question paper?
Yes. The examiner will not see your question paper.
5. What is the Speaking test?
The Speaking test is conducted with a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner, which is recorded on an audiocassette.
6. What should the candidate bring for the Speaking test?
The candidate needs to bring the same identification documents they supplied on registration, as these must be checked again against the information on the application form. These documents will be checked by the administrator and the Speaking examiner prior to the candidate entering the interview room.
7. When will the candidate receive their results?
Under usual test circumstances, the candidates will receive their Test Report Forms approximately two weeks after they complete their test.
8. How soon can candidates repeat the test?
Candidates are not permitted to retake the test at any centre within 90 days of their previous test date, i.e. 90 days and no fewer. Candidates are reminded that scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without English language tuition in the interim.
9. What happens if a candidate wants to postpone or cancel their application?
Candidates who request a postponement or cancellation of their test within 5 weeks of the test date will normally be charged the full fee unless they are able to provide appropriate medical evidence to support their request within 5 days of the test date.
IELTS Result
As we mentioned, IELTS is not a test that you can pass or fail. Your assessment will be reported according to a scale from bands one to nine. You will need to contact the university you wish to enter to find out the IELTS score they require for entry into your chosen course. Band one indicates that you have virtually no English at all. Band nine is native speaker proficiency. Universities in Australia typically require a band score of between 6 and 7.
Following are the detailed band description.
9 Expert User. Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User. Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User. Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User. Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, paricularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User. Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
4 Limited User. Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User. Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent User. No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non User. Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Best Asian breakfast restaurants in Los Angeles
From the Los Angeles Times
latimes.com
For a soothing morning meal, sample such Eastern delicacies as steamed buns, fresh soy milk and Chinese doughnuts.
By C. Thi Nguyen
Special to The Times
August 20, 2008
BREAKFAST IS the last great dining frontier. Los Angeles is full of intrepid culinary explorers, venturing to all corners of the city in search of lunch and dinner; but as for the morning, we're often breakfast conservatives. Everybody knows about pancakes and waffles, and many are at home with Latin American breakfast staples. But Asian breakfasts are perhaps less well known. Except for dim sum, which is more of a fancy brunch option, what is Asian breakfast?
One of the first things the explorer discovers about Asian breakfasts is that, a lot of the time, they don't exist.
"Koreans don't really have a separate breakfast concept," says Kathy Shin, a Korean American food theorist. "You just sort of eat the same thing that you'd eat at any other meal, but less."
So at many Asian restaurants the same dishes show up at breakfast and lunch; some, particularly soups, are served all day. Rice porridge is served either for breakfast or as a post-clubbing midnight snack. Pho -- Vietnamese beef noodle soup -- is a perfect example of the type of soup that makes a great Asian breakfast -- radiantly light, greaseless and full of mineral tang.
The most intense experience of morning minerality, though, is sul lung tang, a Korean soup that's basically just beef bones boiled for half a day. After a misspent night of carousing and electrolyte loss, a bowl of sul lung tang is a bowl of pure, sunny health flooding your body and your brain.
Northern China does have a distinct breakfast concept. Many dishes eaten all day long in the rest of China are breakfast-only foods in the north, including congee (rice porridge), wonton soup and baozi (meat-filled steamed buns), Chinese scholar Valerie Washburn explains. But the crowning glory of Chinese breakfasts, she says, are two items you'll see only in the morning: youtiao and jianbing.
Youtiao are long, slender, ultra-crisp fried doughnuts, rather like crullers or churros. You dip one in a hot bowl of soy milk or some steaming rice porridge. It's China's version of doughnuts and coffee. Jianbing are bizarre but tasty hybrids -- part pancake, part crêpe and part scrambled egg.
In Southern California, purely Northern Chinese places are rare, but there are plenty of Northern Chinese-style breakfasts as interpreted by Taiwanese-style and Thai places. San Gabriel Valley, in particular, has a concentration of breakfast places that make soy milk fresh every morning (it degrades quickly, so arrive early).
Perhaps the most Western-friendly Asian breakfast is Filipino breakfast. A typical Filipino breakfast is like an American diner breakfast crossed with a garlic festival: a garlic-fried egg over garlic fried rice with a side of sweet garlic-pork sausage.
Here's a selection of some of the best examples of Asian breakfasts in the area.
Banh Cuon Tay Ho 2. This, the tiniest and homeliest branch of the Tay Ho mini-chain, is the best one. It serves the classic Vietnamese breakfast noodle, banh cuon -- fresh, slippery rice noodles wrapped around two fillings. The first filling is a mixture of intensely seasoned ground beef and mushrooms; the other is pungent powdered dried shrimp. These are the noodles favored by Vietnamese diners for breakfast and light lunch -- tender, gossamer and utterly light. They're so popular here that the place sometimes runs out before noon. 9242 Bolsa Ave., Space F, Westminster, (714) 895-4796; www.tayho.com.
Han Bat Shul. This cafe is a long, narrow hallway filled with folks all eating the same thing. That thing is sul lung tang, a soup experience of pure, bracing mineral intensity. It comes with a little noodle action and bits of beef, but the important part is the broth, made from simmering beef bones overnight. Throw in a big spoonful of salt to bring out the flavor, mix in some raw scallions and add some of the dense house hot sauce. No matter how hard you partied the night before, this will fix you. 4163 W. 5th St, Los Angeles; (213) 388-9499.
Max's Restaurant. Here, you can get a fresh version of a basic Filipino breakfast: a starchy, greasy, garlicky wonder. A typical plate involves garlicky fried rice, a fried egg and your choice of meats, including intensely garlicky sausage and sweet barbecued pork. Break up the egg, let yolk mingle into the fried rice and you have yourself a big pile of satisfying tastiness. It fills precisely the same emotional niche as pancakes, bacon and eggs, and you can get it all day long. Max’s is big, clean and decorated in a cheerful, vaguely tiki fashion. Mornings are quiet; late nights are drenched with very enthusiastic Filipino karaoke. 313 W. Broadway, Glendale, (818) 637-7751; www.maxschicken.com.
Mei Lin Tou Chiang. Mei Lin looks like almost every other Chinese breakfast place in town -- small, spare, grungy -- only more so. But it makes the best soy milk in the San Gabriel Valley. The stuff is an unflinching shot of the purest, cleanest, nuttiest soy flavor. Even if you've never before tried a soy milk you like, try it here. There are absolutely none of the bitter, astringent or harsh overtones that mark your typical slightly aged soy milk. Get it hot, get it cold, have it there, get an extra liter to go. Just have some soy. 1257 E. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, (626) 284-1868.
Pho Minh. Pho Minh, hidden in the back corner of a strip mall, is a temple of worship for pure cow. The cooks here are practitioners of the highest pho arts: no MSG, no excessive spices. They treat beef broth like a sushi chef treats toro, with utmost devotion. This is pho to contemplate, pho to meditate over, pho to sink into. It comes in two versions, one tangy, one full of the natural sweetness of beef. Either is exactly the sort of light, clean liquid experience you want to wake up to. The usual breakfast accompaniment is Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk; the intensely vegetal pennywort tea is worth trying too. 9646 E. Garvey Ave., No. 108, South El Monte, (626) 448-8807.
Sunset Siam. This tiny Thai restaurant in the parking lot of an America's Best Value Inn serves a particularly heart-warming Thai version of Chinese breakfast. There's hot tofu pudding in ginger syrup, there's hot soy milk soup loaded with bits of barley and tapioca balls, and there's gloriously crisp Thai versions of youtiao served with honey mayonnaise. Everything here is a little sweeter and crisper than at Chinese cafes. Dip your first cruller in the mayo, drop your second in the soy milk and be warm. A more filling option is the excellent hot rice porridge topped with raw ginger and filled with porky bits or with thin slices of raw fish that lightly poach in the porridge right in front of you. 5265 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 467-8935.
Ye May Restaurant. Ye May is a spartan place -- tile floors, a few bare tables and rows of metal bakery trays loaded with every kind of steamed bun and pastry you could want. There's spectacularly fresh soy milk, made daily, that tastes exactly like what it is: the pure, clean, nutty juice of fresh-squeezed soy beans. Ye May's salty soy milk -- hot soy milk loaded with meats and mushrooms -- is unspeakably satisfying. The youtiao is perfect for all your soy milk dipping needs. There's an excellent assortment of steamed buns (try the pork and preserved vegetable bun). Pork-radish cake is an intensely flavored treat: bits of tasty pork inside a thick, chewy, glutinous rice shell, steamed in a lotus leaf. All sorts of jianbing variations are available; look for anything that says "egg" on the menu. This location is run by a very nice woman who's willing to help customers who don't speak the language. There's also a menu of Taiwanese deli fare, which is mostly not as good as the breakfast offerings. 608 E. Valley Blvd., Space G, San Gabriel; (626) 280-8568.
Yung Ho King Tou Chiang Restaurant. This sweet little restaurant, like the better-known place with the same name a few blocks to the west, is a Northern Chinese breakfast place, but it's leagues better. The youtiao is the best in town -- shatteringly crisp on the outside, ultra-tender and croissant-like on the inside. The kitchen also makes the best fan tuan in town, and a crunchy youtiao rolled in fluffy, salty shreds of dehydrated pork and excellently moist, crunchy pickle bits, and wrapped in a sheet of pressed sticky rice (it's called a "rice roll" on the menu). Every form of fried pastry here is excellent. But best of all is the whole-wheat rice milk -- it's like a whole-wheat cinnamon roll boiled down to its essential juices: a sweet, gloriously warm, glutinous custard. 1045 E. Valley Blvd., Space A105, San Gabriel; (626) 280-9317.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Free Things to Do in New York City
1. Central Park: This 843-acre swath of green space stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street; you could spend hours wandering the pathways and lounging on the lawns. During the summer, don’t miss Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater — the tickets are free.
2. Ground Zero: Construction of a Sept. 11 memorial is under way in lower Manhattan, and adjacent to the site is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. For a donation you can see photos and a timeline of that fateful day, read stories of survival and loss and learn about the memorial being built to commemorate those who died. (http://www.national911memorial.org)
3. Federal Hall National Museum: This historic building is easily overlooked in the shadow of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, but it’s worth a stop. George Washington took his presidential oath here, and it was also the site of the first Congress and offices of the executive branch. (http://www.nps.gov/feha)
4. The Brooklyn Bridge: A pedestrian walkway accommodates walkers and bikers and gives great views of New York Harbor along the way. To start from the Manhattan side, take the 4, 5 or 6 subway to the Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall Station.
5. The Staten Island Ferry: This fleet of passenger ferries connects Whitehall Terminal (a.k.a. South Ferry) in Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island. Boats depart every 15 to 30 minutes, and during the 25-minute ride there are great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the city skyline.
7. New York Public Library: Two marble lions flank the entrance to this beautiful Beaux Arts building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Inside are majestic painted ceilings, stately wood-paneled research rooms and books, books, books.
8. The New York Earth Room: Commissioned and maintained by the Dia Foundation, this 280,000-pound installation of earth by artist Walter De Maria is installed in a gallery three floors up in SoHo (www.earthroom.org).
10. Rockaway Beach: Take the A train to one of the Beach streets (Beach 44, etc.). We have been out here three times so far, always on a Saturday or Sunday, and there were hardly any crowds. Summer may be a different story: We have been in April, May and September, but the beach is beautiful regardless. -Annybananny92660
11. The Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza: It might seem cheesy (it is) but we have gotten on TV each time we've been up there, and every now and then you get to actually chat with one of the celebrity guests. Also in this category would be "Good Morning America," which films in Bryant Park, a fun free place to hang out in itself. -Annybananny92660
12. The Bronx Zoo: It's not quite free, but on Wednesdays, the price of admission is whatever you care to donate. -Annybananny92660
13. The Waterfalls: This is a new attraction around the city; one of them is coming off the Brooklyn Bridge. -Patnal. (Editor's note: Read more about this temporary art installation.)
14. Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art is free for all visitors during Target Free Friday Nights, every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
1. Stroll through the National Mall: Wear your walking shoes! The mall — bordered by Constitution and Independence avenues and the U.S. Capitol Building and Washington Monument — encompasses 60 statues, memorials, historic sites and buildings. Highlights include the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial, Constitution Gardens and Ford’s Theatre.
2. Visit the White House: Self-guided tours of the White House are free and available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays). However, they are open only to groups of 10 or more; a request for the tour must be submitted by contacting your member of Congress ahead of time. If you can't arrange a tour, stop by the White House Visitor Center instead.
3. National Archives: See the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and Constitution all housed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom (http://archives.gov/nae/visit); the Public Vaults include handwritten letters by George Washington and telegrams from Abraham Lincoln. (To avoid waiting in line, call at least six weeks in advance for a reservation.)
4. Arlington National Cemetery: Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and visit the eternal flame that burns at the grave of President John F. Kennedy.
6. U.S. Botanic Garden: Stop and smell the roses, and peonies, and cherry blossoms and more. Run by the U.S. Congress, the garden features rotating exhibits, 26,000 plants and a butterfly garden, among other attractions. The garden is located across from the Capitol Building and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (http://www.usbg.gov/index.cfm)
7. U.S. Naval Observatory: Its lofty mission includes “determining the positions and motions of the Earth, sun, moon, planets, stars and other celestial objects … measuring the Earth's rotation; and maintaining the Master Clock for the United States.” Tours are generally available on Monday evenings. (http://www.usno.navy.mil/tour_info.shtml)
8. National Zoo: Lions and tigers and giant pandas, oh my! This free zoo is a national treasure and a great change of pace from D.C.’s museums and monuments.
9. The “Exorcist Stairs”: For something on the quirky side, visit Georgetown to see the 75 steep steps that connect Prospect Street with M Street; they’ll be recognizable to fans of "The Exorcist" as the stairs that were featured in the climactic scene with the priest. Today, it’s just a great workout – about the equivalent of walking to the roof of a five-story building.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Dollar-Friendly Destinations
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
Unless you hit the jackpot at the slots, you might be looking for ways to save money on your next trip to Vegas. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Fremont Street Experience: Head downtown for this hourly light-and-sound show near some of Vegas' oldest casinos. Glitter is everywhere here, as millions of neon lights illuminate the heart of downtown Vegas.
2. Fountains at the Bellagio: What’s not to love about water that dances in time to music? The choreographed display starts every 30 minutes starting in the afternoon, then every 15 minutes in the evening.
3. Lion Habitat at MGM Grand: You can see majestic felines at the MGM Grand, where the lions can be found batting around their big red rubber ball or chewing on a rawhide bone. The famous lion that roared at the beginning of an MGM film was the first lion to live here, and now the "pride" has grown to 38; half a dozen lions are on view from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
4. Aquarium at the Mirage: This huge tank – measuring 53 feet long, 8 feet from top to bottom, and 6 feet from front to back – underwent recent technological improvements and now can support up to 1,000 coral reef fish. See how many species you can spot; there are at least 60 species from places like Australia, Hawaii, the Red Sea and the Caribbean.
5. The Conservatory at the Bellagio: It takes 140 horticulturists to stay on top of all the plants, flowers and shrubs on display in this hotel’s indoor garden. The result is a blooming oasis that gets extra special treatment – and a profusion of themed arrangements – for holidays. (http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/botanical-garden.aspx) Slide Show: Fabulous Las Vegas Icons
7. Ethel M Chocolate Factory:Have you ever wanted to see what a 35,000-gallon tank of chocolate looks like? See for yourself on the self-guided tour of Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory in Henderson, Nev.; tours run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both the tour and the samples along the way are free.
9. The Sirens of TI: The cove at the entrance of the Treasure Island hotel is the setting for this pseudo-17th-century battle. The sirens are scantily clad, the pirates get lured into a stormy tempest and drama – often in the form of pyrotechnics – ensues. The show runs every 90 minutes starting at 7 p.m.
10. Watch a volcano erupt: This perennially popular attraction at the MGM Mirage closed in February 2008 for renovation, but is expected to open again late in 2008.
11. Wildlife Habitat: Step into a tropical rain forest at the Flamingo, where you can see lush foliage, waterfalls and hundreds of birds. Don't miss the penguin feeding twice a day at 8:25 a.m. and 2:55 p.m.
Free Things to Do in Chicago
Chicago is the urban heart of the Midwest, unpretentious yet vibrant, multicultural yet all-American. There’s never a shortage of things to do and see here – especially things that are free.
1. Navy Pier: Built in the early 1900s, this 1.5-mile-long pier is packed full of activities (like the Chicago Children’s Museum, see below) and tourists heading to the Crystal Gardens, IMAX Theater and carnival rides. If you make it past all the distractions to the end of the pier, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views back to the city.
2. Lincoln Park Zoo: This is one of the few remaining free public zoos in the country, and also one of the oldest: Lincoln Park Zoo is celebrating its 140th year in 2008. Some of the can’t-miss highlights include the new children’s zoo and the 29,000-square-foot exhibit for gorillas and chimps.
3. Garfield Park Conservatory: It’s been 100 years since the city of Chicago first started cultivating plants under the glass of the conservatory, and the site has grown to include 4.5 acres of green and flowering plants. Seasonal displays follow the calendar year, and a children’s garden is a popular spot for families. (http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/)
4. Tour greater Chicago: Have you ever traveled somewhere and wished you had a local to show you around? If you’re in Chicago, you’re in luck: Book an official "Greeter" for two- to four-hour tours on foot or public transit, and see the metro area from a savvy insider’s perspective. http://www.chicagogreeter.com/
5. Chicago Cultural Center: This is billed as one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the country, and visitors can experience daily programs in performing, visual and literary arts. The building itself is a work of art, too, thanks to its multiple stained-glass domes - including an immense dome made of Tiffany glass.
Chicago's Best New Restaurants
7. Chicago Children’s Museum: The first Monday of every month is free for kids ages 15 and under, and Thursday nights are free for families at this popular hands-on museum. Exhibits include Dinosaur Expedition, Treehouse Trails, Inventing Lab, WaterWays and more.
8. John G. Shedd Aquarium: There are 52 "Discount Days" every year when admission to the aquarium is free, so it’s easy to get your fill of the more than two dozen sharks, beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, sea otters and 32,000 other aquatic animals on display.
Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
1. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Hollywood Boulevard (between Vine and La Brea) shines with 2,000 stars that commemorate famous people in the TV, film, recording and radio industries. It’s a rite of passage for every visitor to stroll the route and find their favorite stars’ star, but did you know the Walk of Fame dedication ceremonies are open to the public, too? Call 323-469-8311 to see who’s being honored when.
2. The Getty Center Museum: The Getty Center Museum is a stunning architectural showcase – with ocean and city views from a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains – and inside you’ll find European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts, and European and American photographs.
3. Free museum visits: Most museums have days or evenings when they do not charge admission: For example, the Norton Simon Museum is free on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m.; LACMA is free on the second Tuesday; the Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of Television and Radio) and the Fowler Museum at UCLA are always free. Call your favorite museum to ask when its free admission day is.
4. Cruise a legendary road: You might recognize Mulholland Drive from movies such as "Point Break" and "Iron Man," as well as from the famous people who’ve lived along the highway, such as Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis. If you have a car, drive the highway to do some house-gazing, and check out the million-dollar views from the Hollywood Hills. Slide Show: Los Angeles Landmarks
6. Go to the beach: From Malibu (of "Baywatch" fame) to Redondo (popular for surfing), you can’t go wrong spending a day at the beach. There are 30 miles of beaches in Los Angeles, so whether you like to in-line skate, surf or just dig your toes in the sand, you have plenty of choices.
8. Ocean Front Walk at Venice Beach: Once the beating heart of L.A’s hippie scene, today Venice Beach is Los Angeles at its bohemian best. According to Frommer’s, "On any given day, you're bound to come across all kinds of performers: mimes, break-dancers, stoned drummers, chain-saw jugglers, talking parrots, and the occasional apocalyptic evangelist."
9. Visit cemeteries where celebrities are buried: A bit morbid, perhaps, but still a great way to pay tribute to entertainment legends, from Cecil B. DeMille to John Candy. Some cemeteries even provide free maps to the graves.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
36 Hours in Chiang Mai, Thailand
BLESSED with a cooler climate than Bangkok and buffered by lush mountains, Chiang Mai has long served as a backpacker’s gateway to Thailand’s northern reaches. But an influx of Thai artists and Western expatriates has turned this quiet city into a vibrant destination in its own right. Design studios have sprung up in town, fusing traditional Thai with modern twists. Age-old curries are now paired with Australian red wines and croissants. The area around Nimanhaemin Road now looks like South Beach, packed with BMWs and Art Deco homes, alongside contemporary art galleries run by young Thais with purple hair and nose rings. But traditional Chiang Mai is still there. Walk away from Nimanhaemin into the old city and you’ll see shaved monks meditating and backpackers chowing down on banana pancakes.
Friday
3 p.m.
1) OLD KINGDOM
Packed with crumbling old stupas, jewel-encrusted temples and wooden houses, Chiang Mai’s central old city hasn’t lost its old charm. And since Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna kingdom, its temples and other historic sites have a unique look, with starker lines and darker woods. Start a long walk at Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple, built in the late 13th century, and then wander southwest, to Wat Chedi Luang, which houses a giant, partly damaged traditional Lanna-style stupa. Get your exercise by continuing on for about a mile, southeast, just past the old city walls, where you can stop for a break at a branch of Wawee Coffee, a local chain serving northern Thai joe. (Inside the Suriwong Book Center; Sri Donchai Road, near the intersection with Thanon Chang Khlan.)
6 p.m.
2) BODY SHOP
The bumpy roads can take their toll on your legs. Rejuvenate them at the Ban Sabai Town (17/7 Charoenprathet Road; 66-53-285-204). The spa offers aromatherapy and other treatments, but the specialty is, of course, Thai massage — a method that emphasizes stretching. The masseuse pulls and prods your limbs in every direction, like a chiropractor. Your muscles might be tempted to scream, but they’ll end up feeling like soft butter. An hourlong Thai massage costs 1,900 baht (or around $60 at 32 baht to the dollar), far less than you would pay at most hotel spas.
8 p.m.
3) CRABS AND KARAOKE
For a taste of the city’s cosmopolitan edge, stroll along the Ping River, where university students and young professionals gather at a strip of rollicking restaurants that serve modern Thai, Japanese and Western food. Among the liveliest is the Good View (13 Charoen Raj Road; 66-53-302-764; www.goodview.co.th), a sprawling pub and restaurant where the young patrons sing along to live Thai country and rock music, while downing pitchers of beer and shots of Johnnie Walker. Try the geng som, a soup flavored with a sour Thai orange, and the poo phat pong kari, crab stir-fried with yellow curry. Dinner for two people costs about 1,000 baht.
Saturday
7 a.m.
4) HOLY MOUNTAIN
Get up early — it’s worth it — for the classic Chiang Mai experience: a morning hike on Doi Suthep, the 5,498-foot peak that overlooks the city. Many residents consider Doi Suthep a holy mountain, and hike it as often as they can. Head to the base of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple that, according to legend, dates from the 14th century, and is topped by a glittering gold chedi. On a clear day, the temple’s terraces afford views across northern Thailand. You’ll see Thailand old and new: monks in sandals begging for rice and young couples smooching in the corner (a taboo among older, more conservative Thais).
Noon
5) RENEWABLE DESIGNS
Chiang Mai has become a design laboratory, with foreign and Thai designers blending traditional styles with minimalist lines. Head to Nimanhaemin Road, a major design drag, for boutiques that sell textiles, pottery and other crafts. Thai art students wander the street in packs, occasionally whipping out sketchpads. Stores like Studio Kachama (10-12 Nimanhaemin Soi 1; 66-53-219-499) and Gerard Collection (6/23-24 Nimanhaemin Road 66-53-220-604; www.gerardcollection.com) sell funky lamps with shades made from local mulberry paper, furniture constructed from bamboo and women’s suits made from a traditional, thick-spun cotton.
2 p.m.
6) CLASSIC CURRIES
New, stylish bistros have colonized the city, but true fans of northern Thai cuisine — which incorporates Burmese and Chinese spices, and is lighter than southern Thai cooking — congregate at the classic Huen Phen (112 Rachamankha Road; 66-53-814-548). The restaurant’s cramped tables are packed with taxi drivers who dig into heaps of steaming curries and fiery salads. Have the khao soi, a delicious mix of creamy curry, crispy egg noodles, slices of pickled cabbage and bits of shallot and lime. Lunch for two is about 300 baht.
4 p.m.
7) ARTIST CROP
In recent years, many of Thailand’s best-known artists have moved to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. Several have won global recognition: Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, a performance artist who reads poetry to corpses, was featured at the 2006 Venice Biennale. And Navin Rawanchaikul, who paints cartoonlike murals inside taxis and tuk-tuks, has exhibited his work at P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in New York. For emerging talents, visit La Luna Gallery (190 Charoen Raj Road; 66-53-306-678; www.lalunagallery.com).
9 p.m.
8) SPICE MARKET
For a late dinner, the fashionable crowd migrates to Dalaabaa (113 Bumrungraj Road; 66-53-242-491; www.dalaabaa.com) for cocktails and small Thai plates like spicy squid salad. The midcentury modern bungalow is furnished with eclectic furniture, polished wood and tons of glass, as if Frank Lloyd Wright had gone East. The young crowd includes rail-thin women in slinky black dresses smoking from long cigarette holders, Frenchmen tossing back martinis, and students with ponytails and wispy mustaches engrossed in conversations about Buddhism and art. Dinner with drinks for two is about 1,200 baht.
Sunday
7 a.m.
9) TUSK TIME
Every travel guide recommends an elephant ride, but the typical trip involves a short, bumpy elephant walk led by a bored trainer. Skip that and take a taxi instead to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (www.changthai.com) between Chiang Mai and the town of Lampang. The center will not only teach you how to command and handle a tusker, but also how to honor the pachyderm, a revered animal in Thailand. Classes, which last most of the day, start at 3,500 baht.
4 p.m.
10) ROCK OUT
With its cooler climate and rugged terrain, Chiang Mai has become the hub for adventure sports, including rafting, trekking and mountain biking. An American expat, Josh Morris, pioneered the rock climbing scene, especially at Crazy Horse Buttress, a rock face that overlooks lime green, terraced rice fields. Mr. Morris’s outfitter, Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures (55/3 Ratchapkhinai Road; 66-53-207-102; www.thailandclimbing.com) offers introductory courses starting at 1,800 baht per person. After sweating to the top, head back to the bars along the Ping River to cool off with a Singha beer and cap off your adventure in style.
THE BASICS
Flights from the United States to Chiang Mai usually require a connection in Bangkok. Thai Airways International (www.thaiair.com) flies to Bangkok from Kennedy Airport in New York, with fares for travel in May starting at around $1,100, according to a recent Web search. Carriers flying to Chiang Mai from Bangkok include Thai Airways and Nok Air (www.nokair.com). One-way fares on Nok Air start at around 1,300 baht, or about $40 at 32 baht to the dollar.
WHERE TO STAY
The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi (51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road; 66-53-888-888, www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai) is a striking resort on 60 acres with villas that resemble ancient Thai villages. Rooms start at 10,899 baht and go up to 280,000 baht for the Royal Residence, which has three private pools and six bedrooms.
Chiang Mai boasts a new crop of boutique hotels. The elegant Rachamankha (6 Rachamankha 9; 66-53-904-111; www.rachamankha.com) looks like a chapel and unfolds into one peaceful courtyard after the next. Rooms start at 6,825 baht.
The dusitD2 (100 Chang Klan Road; 66-53-999-999; www.dusit.com), set in the heart of the old city, offers a minimalist design and rooms starting at 4,100 baht.
For event listings, check the English-language Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.net) or the magazine Citylife Chiang Mai (www.chiangmainews.com).
Sunday, March 16, 2008
36 Hours in Pasadena, California
NESTLED in the San Gabriel Valley just 10 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Pasadena harbors a distinct, if at times chauvinistic sense of individual self. Its old-money past continues to flourish in the form of grand mansions and a vast array of museums and gardens, many underwritten by prominent local families. And newer money has helped transform Old Pasadena, in decline for many years, into an energetic shopping and dining destination, with quirky shops and new restaurants. But it is the expansive outdoors, mountain views and fine climate (except in August, when you could fry a hot dog at the Rose Bowl) that still make Pasadena, the famed City of Roses, a shining jewel of Southern California and an enduring object of jealousy.
Friday
3 p.m.
1) DREAM HOUSE
Real estate envy is an epidemic in Pasadena, and few homes are more desirable than the Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Place, 626-793-3334; www.gamblehouse.org). While the tour guides can reinforce a certain preciousness, there is no denying the allure of this Craftsman-style home, constructed in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company by the architects Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene. The hour-long tours are $10 for adults; free for children under 12. Flat shoes are required to protect the floor, but they’ll give you a pair of slippers if you’ve got your Jimmy Choo’s on.
4:30 p.m.
2) ROSE BOWL
Well, you’re here, so why not see where it all happens each winter. You can tool around the Rose Bowl grounds, jog, enjoy the gardens, imagine yourself as being coronated the rose queen, or one of the many who spends the 80,000 hours needed to put together the Tournament of Roses (391 South Orange Grove Boulevard, 626-449-4100; tournamentofroses.com).
6:30 p.m.
3) BURRITOVILLE
There’s a depressing number of fast-food restaurants in town, serving the same grub found in any American mall. But one standout is El Toreo Cafe (21 South Fair Oaks Avenue, 626-793-2577), a hole-in-the-wall that serves terrific and inexpensive Mexican food. Try the carnitas burritos ($5.95) and chile verde ($5.95), with large helpings and authentic flair.
8: 30 p.m.
4) RETAIL HOP
Many stores in Old Pasadena stay open late. Skip the chains-o-plenty and make your way down Colorado Boulevard, the central corridor and its side streets. Among the finds: Distant Lands Travel Bookstore and Outfitters (56 South Raymond Avenue, 626-449-3220; www.distantlands.com), which sells travel paraphernalia like Africa maps and packing kits; Elisa B. (12 Douglas Alley, 626-792-4746), where the sales staff will get you out of your mom jeans; Lula Mae (100 North Fair Oaks Avenue, 626-304-9996; www.lulamae.com) for candles and weird gifts like bride-and-groom maracas. End the evening by having some peanut butter or malaga gelato at Tutti Gelati (62 West Union Street, 626-440-9800; www.tuttigelati.com).
Saturday
9 a.m.
5) MORNING SWEETS
All good vacation days begin with hot chocolate, so follow the California Institute of Technology students to Euro Pane (950 East Colorado Boulevard, 626-577-1828) and order a hot cup of the chocolaty goodness, along with fresh breads and flaky croissants, which are first-rate. A counter filled with children’s books helps keep the young ones entertained.
10 a.m.
6) FUN UNDER THE SUN
While children’s museums often induce an instant throbbing in the temple — and an urge to reach for a Purell hand sanitizer — a happy exception is Kidspace Children’s Museum (480 North Arroyo Boulevard, 626-449-9144; www.kidspacemuseum.org), an active museum where adults can chill with a book under the sun, while the kids ride tricycles, check out the dig site and climb around the mini-model of the city’s Arroyo Seco canyon, where it actually “rains” from time to time. The Splash Dance Fountain is a winner. One price for all ages: $8.
1 p.m.
7) FORMICA AND STOOLS
No day in Pasadena should pass without a stop at Pie ’n Burger (913 East California Boulevard, 626-795-1123; www.pienburger.com), a local institution since 1963. Go ahead and have a chicken pot pie ($11) which is beyond decent, or some pancakes if you’re feeling all vegan about it, but honestly, the burger ($6.25) is the way to go. It is a juicy concoction served up in old-school paper liners, with the requisite Thousand Island dressing on the bun. Finish the whole thing off with a sublime slice of banana cream or cherry pie ($3.55). Just don’t tarry, there are bound to be large groups of folks waiting to get their hands on a burger, too.
3 p.m.
8) MASTER CLASS
Even if you’re feeling a bit tired, there is something oddly relaxing about the Norton Simon Museum of Art (411 West Colorado Boulevard, 626-449-6840; www.nortonsimon.org). There’s Degas’ “Little Dancer Aged 14”; Van Gogh’s “Portrait of a Peasant”; Diego Rivera’s “The Flower Vendor.” Natural light streams in from skylights, and a sensible layout makes this a pleasant place to while away the afternoon — not to mention the star collection of western paintings and sculpture from the 14th to 20th centuries. Don’t skip the South Asian art downstairs, especially the Buddha Shakyamuni, which sits majestically outdoors. The guided audio tours are quite good.
6 p.m.
9) SOLID ITALIAN
After a day of cultural and sun soaking, nestle into Gale’s Restaurant (452 South Fair Oaks Avenue, 626-432-6705; www.galesrestaurant.com). A totally local spot, it offers remarkably solid fare just down the road from all the hubbub. Couples, families and friends that seem to have just finished a day outdoors snuggle among the brick walls and small wooden tables, drinking wine from slightly cheesy Brighton goblets. Start it off with some warm roasted olives ($7.95) or a steamed artichoke ($8.50) and then move on to the country-style Tuscan steak ($27.95) or caprese salad ($11.50). For dessert skip the leaden cheesecake and go instead for the poppy seed cake ($7), which is uncommonly tasty.
9 p.m.
10) WINE AND JAZZ
Pasadena is no night-life town, but it does like its wines. Share a glass with the neighbors at 750 ml (966 Mission Street, South Pasadena; 626-799-0711), a cozy wine bar and bistro in SoPas, as the area is known locally, near the railroad track. The communal tables are covered in brown paper, and low light emanates from vintage lighting fixtures. The place is owned by Steven Arroyo, known for his tapas spot, Cobras & Matadors, in Hollywood. The wine list changes often and offers more than a dozen wines by the glass — including a Château Coupe-Roses Minervois — most for around $12. For a more festive atmosphere, head to Twin Palms Pasadena (101 West Green Street, 626-577-2567; www.twin-palms.com), a popular restaurant that features jazz or dance music weekend nights.
Sunday
10:30 a.m.
11) GARDEN PARTY
An entire day barely covers a corner of the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens (1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626-405-2100; www.huntington.org). There are 120 acres of gardens, an enormous library of rare manuscripts and books, and three permanent art galleries featuring British and French artists of the 18th and 19th centuries. Here is a good plan for a morning: take a quick run through the exhibit of American silver. Ooh and ahh. Then pick one of the gardens to tour. The Desert garden, with its bizarre-looking cactuses and lunarlike landscapes, is a winner, though the Japanese and Jungle gardens are close rivals. Top it off at the Children’s garden, where interactive exhibits can get kids dirty, which pleases everyone but the one stuck changing all the wet shirts. Stay for tea; there’s no dress code in the tea room.
THE BASICS
JetBlue flies nonstop from Kennedy Airport to Burbank, Calif., about 15 miles from Pasadena. Fares start at about $299 for travel in April. Alternatively, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport, which serves more airlines, but is about 30 miles away and means contending with Los Angeles traffic.
WHERE TO STAY
The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa Pasadena (1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, 626-568-3900; pasadena.langhamhotels.com) sits majestically at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Until recently a Ritz-Carlton, the hotel has an 11,000-square-foot spa, two restaurants and two bar areas. Rooms start at about $249 a night.
The Courtyard by Marriott, Los Angeles Pasadena Old Town (180 North Fair Oaks Avenue, 626-403-7600; marriott.com) is pretty much the only bet in Old Pasadena and a good one at that. Double rooms start at around $219.
The Westin Pasadena (191 North Los Robles Pasadena, 626-792-2727; westin.com) has an outdoor heated rooftop pool, beautiful views and a Kid’s Club. Doubles at around $245.
