2011 RESTAURANT WEEK

It's restaurant week (2 weeks actually, and some extend it longer) again and this time I sampled 5 different restaurants: NOBU, RIVERPARK, DBGB, TAO, and LE CIRQUE. I've never been to the first four but I've eaten at Le Cirque at its two previous locations. I look forward twice a year for such occasions to sample the offerings of "new" places. Check out my take of the five restaurants by clicking on the picture icon on the right side bar marked "RESTAURANTS."

Alaska Cruise & Death Valley National Park

These two sites are done and can be viewed now. Will be working on the Washington State Mountain Trip soon!

Viva Las Vegas! Aloha Hawaii!

I've been here for over a week now. Left New York's winterish weather but it seemed like I brought the cold weather here in the desert with me. Of course it is still warmer here than in NYC but I was hoping for 80s temperatures. Staying at a relative's house while they are away babysitting their grandchildren in San Diego. Met some people from my hometown who took me to casino buffets and also to the semi-annual garage sales in the area. Played mahjongg twice with friends and down $8. Also have contributed $2on the slot machine (you can call me a "low-roller").

Hoping to go to Death Valley National Park when my niece and her husband come back on Monday. Will be another stamp on my National Parks passport!

I also spent a month in Hawaii (Feb 22 to Mar 21) and the weather was more to my liking except of course when there was a couple of days of storm and threat of tsunami. Most days were in the 80s so it was really nice. Didn't get to go to the other islands this time but I've been to Maui, Kauai and the Big Island before. Stayed a few miles from Honolulu at a relative's house while they were in the Philippines for 3 weeks. Enjoyed several sunbathing days at one of the lagoons at Ko Olina Resort and also at Hanauma Bay. Naturally, did the "round-the-island" drive once more, even had a picnic in the North Shore.

WORKS IN PROGRESS