A Word To Mr. Claus
What do you want for Christmas? For me, it’s travel, always travel, and here are a few suggestions of things to get me (Santa, are you listening? Do you read blogs? Why not?) Drop us a line in the comment section and list a few things you’d like to see under the tree this year.
1) A WARM WEATHER CRUISE. I’m remembering very fondly the sights and sounds of slipping out of Papeete harbor at dusk on a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship. From my verandah there was a panoramic view of lush, green mountains and blue water, with ten days ahead of sunning, swimming and relaxation. Or sailing past the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe on the Royal Clipper sailing ship with warm breezes filling the sails. Or taking in the view of Maui at sunrise from the water. I want that again, Santa. Now.
2) ROOM 602 OF THE HOTEL MEURICE IN PARIS. Officially my favorite hotel room, with its balcony offering sweeping views from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre. That is, if I can drag myself from the oversized marble bathtub. Second choice would be the penthouse suite at the newly renovated Hotel Balzac off the Champs Elysees. And dinner at the four-star restaurant off the lobby. And the credit card balance to be able to afford it.
3) A DINNER WITH THE LOCALS, like the one I enjoyed this year at the Priory de la Chaise, a 15th century monastery turned into a bed-and-breakfast in the Loire Valley. We began the evening by tasting wines in the ancient stone cellar, then moved into the antiques-laden dining room for a delicious, simple feast of pot au feu and quiche made by the innkeeper, with lots of wine and good conversation conducted in a jumble of French and English. Would that travel always delivered such a connection with local people. I’d like it to be in France, in Italy, in Sweden or Russia. I’m not picky, Santa.
4) A WHALE SIGHTING OR TWO. Would it be too much to ask to get to a place this winter where whales are breeching and sailfish are jumping? A hike to a waterfall, a dive through a school of silvery fish, a photo safari in Africa? Vivid natural experiences are one of the great joys of travel (besides hotel rooms with views of the Louvre, I mean).
5) A SHOPPING SPREE IN NEW YORK AND A ROOM AT THE PLAZA. Well, maybe I need this before Christmas. I’m available next week. Santa, I await your decision.
1) A WARM WEATHER CRUISE. I’m remembering very fondly the sights and sounds of slipping out of Papeete harbor at dusk on a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship. From my verandah there was a panoramic view of lush, green mountains and blue water, with ten days ahead of sunning, swimming and relaxation. Or sailing past the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe on the Royal Clipper sailing ship with warm breezes filling the sails. Or taking in the view of Maui at sunrise from the water. I want that again, Santa. Now.
2) ROOM 602 OF THE HOTEL MEURICE IN PARIS. Officially my favorite hotel room, with its balcony offering sweeping views from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre. That is, if I can drag myself from the oversized marble bathtub. Second choice would be the penthouse suite at the newly renovated Hotel Balzac off the Champs Elysees. And dinner at the four-star restaurant off the lobby. And the credit card balance to be able to afford it.
3) A DINNER WITH THE LOCALS, like the one I enjoyed this year at the Priory de la Chaise, a 15th century monastery turned into a bed-and-breakfast in the Loire Valley. We began the evening by tasting wines in the ancient stone cellar, then moved into the antiques-laden dining room for a delicious, simple feast of pot au feu and quiche made by the innkeeper, with lots of wine and good conversation conducted in a jumble of French and English. Would that travel always delivered such a connection with local people. I’d like it to be in France, in Italy, in Sweden or Russia. I’m not picky, Santa.
4) A WHALE SIGHTING OR TWO. Would it be too much to ask to get to a place this winter where whales are breeching and sailfish are jumping? A hike to a waterfall, a dive through a school of silvery fish, a photo safari in Africa? Vivid natural experiences are one of the great joys of travel (besides hotel rooms with views of the Louvre, I mean).
5) A SHOPPING SPREE IN NEW YORK AND A ROOM AT THE PLAZA. Well, maybe I need this before Christmas. I’m available next week. Santa, I await your decision.
