tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62658973255374022402024-03-05T16:38:34.007-08:00Travel 4 Zenrachelsstudio.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13316957178216438256noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-26600207628917334232014-07-06T18:35:00.002-07:002014-07-06T18:35:28.706-07:00Las Ranitas Eco Boutique Hotel in Tulum MexicoI don't consider myself a writer, but right now I wish I could convey the magic, charm, and eco-chic that embodies Tulum through the written word. The Tulum magic seemed to hit me at once. After the hectic, hot Cancun airport and the hour long taxi ride, walking into the open air lobby of Las Ranitas was like becoming one with nature's own long, extended "aaaaaaaaaaaah", with its constant breezes and the powerful waves crashing methodically on the beach. It's an invigorating lull. The bright turquoise and peacock blue water strike eyes used to boring highway with a jolt, as if bringing you to your senses and knocking you out of them all at the same time. Just what I needed.
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I stayed in Room 5, a second story room away from the lobby, without AC. I never missed it. My boyfriend was comfortable too, as the ocean breezes keep the room feeling perfect. I noticed that there were some rooms right next to the lobby, and they didn't look very private, so I would recommend making sure you're in a room away from the lobby. Room 5 had a great full ocean/beach view. As everyone has said, the food is wonderful, although US priced, not Mexico priced, but that is true in most of Tulum. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. We hung out with one of them when we ran into him at Akumal, and met some of his friends, one of the highlights of the trip.
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The beach in front of Room Five, Las Ranitas Eco-Boutique Hotel</div>
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The view from Room Five</div>
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I have an online business, so the free wi-fi was crucial and much appreciated. The breezes, free breakfast in a gorgeous patio setting overlooking the ocean, (which was fruit with yogurt) nicely sized room, pool, friendly staff, delish food, nice beach chairs and round lounger beds added a lot to the 'aaaaaaaaaah'. We also rented bikes which were about $20 a day and rode to the ruins. We were very hot at the end and would do a taxi next time. We walked to restaurants every night, including Hartwood, Ahau, and others, which was very doable.<br />
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Free Breakfast</div>
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I went and snooped around other hotels and honestly couldn't find one that made me think, "next time I'll stay there instead".
Las Ranitas was quiet and on a gorgeous beach, but be careful in the waves. They literally body slammed my boyfriend directly on his head; he was spitting out tooth chips and his back is still killing him. We also saw a sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach in front of Las Ranitas, a rare treat; a staff member said they had never seen this.
I was especially impressed with the staff cleaning the rooms. One day we left some valuables out, and they left a note saying that they recommend storing valuables in the provided safe. So we felt very secure there and the staff were trustworthy.<br />
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A rare sight - a sea turtle lays her eggs on the beach. She must have been a yard wide. Be on the lookout for my video of this turtle, and diving with them at Akumal.</div>
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I never felt unsafe anywhere in Tulum, including Tulum Pueblo. At night there were police monitoring the beach, but I would have felt safe without them.
I was also worried about the weather before I left, as many websites said June is the rainy season. However, there were only a couple light showers that lasted maybe five minutes, and the rest of the time the weather was spectacular. It would have been hot, but the breezes on the beach are constant and refreshing, but not overwhelming.<br />
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Las Ranitas restaurant. The chef was one of the best I experienced in Tulum, and there were MANY good places to eat. I'll post a video of my Hartwood experience soon.</div>
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One thing I wish they had more of is hammocks. There were only one or two on the property but they were right in front of other rooms so I didn't use them. I would have loved to have eggs for breakfast - they were available for $10, and even if you order just one, it’s $10, which was annoying.
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The yoga studio at Las Ranitas</div>
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Stay tuned for more videos on my Tulum trip!</div>
RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-49394815777666726232014-07-03T13:09:00.001-07:002014-07-03T14:52:56.494-07:00Tulum Mexico from Waaaaaaaaaaaay up High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We got some beautiful footage of the sunrise in Tulum with a Phantom Quadcopter and GoPro camera. Enjoy this sensual, spectacular place from up high! Be sure to watch it full screen by clicking on the '4 outward facing arrows' icon in the right hand corner.</div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/99865762">Sunrise in Tulum from Waaaaaaaay up High</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user11805070">Rachel Parker</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-64251549338561580692014-06-19T08:29:00.002-07:002014-06-19T08:29:42.830-07:00Tulum Mexico - a blog post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gran Cenote</div>
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Mateo's</div>
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Tulum Pueblo</div>
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Las Ranitas</div>
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A turtle laying eggs on the beach, a rare treat to see!</div>
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Yes, Hartwood lived up to the hype</div>
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Don't know which was better, the food or the friendly staff.</div>
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Mayan ruins of Tulum</div>
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As of this writing, I'm still in Tulum. So more details to come.</div>
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<br />RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-44219273831640731572014-06-08T18:26:00.003-07:002014-06-09T15:28:55.190-07:00From Vancouver to Toronto on Via RailDuring my Spring Break, I took the Via Rail train from Vancouver to Toronto. This is the second time I've slept on a train. The first time was in China, where I shared a room with three other people, two of whom were smokers. It was VERY uncomfortable. On the Via Rail train, I had a one person roomette and I loved it. Here are some of the scenery highlights...
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The video below shows what you can expect from the dining room, accommodations and public spaces of the train.<br />
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<br />RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-636508038207098942014-05-27T19:20:00.002-07:002014-06-11T04:51:24.116-07:00What I'm taking to Tulum MexicoHere's everything I'm taking to Tulum so far. I'm sure I'll repack a zillion times. Do you do that??
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By the way, I just learned about the following amazing place. Doesn't it look gorgeous? It's Lakes National Park in Croatia. Have you been? I'd love to hear your experiences there!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg014Da5DyTGSwYtsxo1SaEKiykcKsjmLXel0X10emM6dhSLJi9YGH7bD0OENU5DLVyMwmNVBQVGj9ABApZk0vW-U2oUTAb02P-0eR5gSoDOiHoorveZQ1wXBXTLiNwoPV5OgKQShwr86Uv/s1600/croatia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg014Da5DyTGSwYtsxo1SaEKiykcKsjmLXel0X10emM6dhSLJi9YGH7bD0OENU5DLVyMwmNVBQVGj9ABApZk0vW-U2oUTAb02P-0eR5gSoDOiHoorveZQ1wXBXTLiNwoPV5OgKQShwr86Uv/s1600/croatia.jpg" height="640" width="633" /></a></div>
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<br />RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-12571942776458424042014-05-24T04:10:00.001-07:002014-05-24T04:15:18.290-07:00Tulum or bust!!!Hi all!
My next trip will be to Tulum, Mexico and I'm SO excited. Here is the first installment about my suggestions for carry-on luggage : ) I have another video about exactly what I"m packing (so far) coming out soon.<br />
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RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-7724193162006004132014-02-12T09:50:00.003-08:002014-02-12T09:50:54.786-08:00Asheville Hostel and Guesthouse vs Old Edward's Inn - A Comparison<object height="480" width="853"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/i_Or_ckb-l8?hl=en_US&version=3"></param>
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<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/i_Or_ckb-l8?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-43251105301542774722013-08-20T12:25:00.004-07:002013-08-20T12:34:16.139-07:00Best travel videos - my favorites!<div style="text-align: left;">
These are my all time favorite travel videos. Even though I've watched some of them several times, they still inspire me to get out and go somewhere.</div>
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"Make it Count" by Casey Neistat <br />
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"The Surprise" by Casey Neistat<br />
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"The Weekend" by Casey Neistat<br />
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"Postcard from Cabo" by Mystery Man, Wendyslookbook<br />
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"Italy: A Love Letter" by Wendyslookbook<br />
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"The City of Samba" by Keith Loutit<br />
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"GoPro Commercial"<br />
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"<a href="http://vimeo.com/24456787">The Arctic Light</a>" from <a href="http://vimeo.com/terjes">TSO Photography</a></div>
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RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-79932364388004121232013-07-30T10:41:00.000-07:002013-07-30T10:41:12.788-07:00A secret swimming hole near Newport, North Carolina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0owEP5CFj8TutrOUUnvdug0kpdHQsptKcZdiom-zprY1rBRxEPDDHNJpj6j9HxluG1hLVmOvlwFrH6PPywvZYCUGFMJeVH0OMqzN4F8DhiAgRLhy7akIq_EZ2CIAL-v5UQwLySt9oGSC1/s1600/midnightHoleRip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0owEP5CFj8TutrOUUnvdug0kpdHQsptKcZdiom-zprY1rBRxEPDDHNJpj6j9HxluG1hLVmOvlwFrH6PPywvZYCUGFMJeVH0OMqzN4F8DhiAgRLhy7akIq_EZ2CIAL-v5UQwLySt9oGSC1/s640/midnightHoleRip2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Midnight Hole, a beautiful swimming hole in Newport, NC, near the Tennessee border off of Highway 40. Click <a href="http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/mouse_creek1.htm" target="_blank">here </a>for directions!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wiAVxIPDPNWruTOtImpydvQqAJu75lZAsVKvsncN1zktxpLETlQf-osmqqiE_lJZIyLI9P8ZlbrDLyfYoZr93D0xBjnxrW6t0ACDYSMBPTwWMTak007SIx7JTBKZ5H6q1uTPkpTY6uf9/s1600/butterfliesmidnightHole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wiAVxIPDPNWruTOtImpydvQqAJu75lZAsVKvsncN1zktxpLETlQf-osmqqiE_lJZIyLI9P8ZlbrDLyfYoZr93D0xBjnxrW6t0ACDYSMBPTwWMTak007SIx7JTBKZ5H6q1uTPkpTY6uf9/s640/butterfliesmidnightHole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I went in late July, there were TONS of butterflies. </div>
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The water is crystal clear and COLD</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPgHNA_-K-QC-3s8vrZNAN0OAiC55eIz4R5O51o9aqjO1XaszNdx5gW8rcL0GBuuGEqEnK58_Uv5b66jaBmFN8gEBrpWfptfDluqXU1MUza-5IO2dcFYeLZxEdHCPEJyOsWqnMxYNq6BI/s1600/MidnightHoleTreeRiver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPgHNA_-K-QC-3s8vrZNAN0OAiC55eIz4R5O51o9aqjO1XaszNdx5gW8rcL0GBuuGEqEnK58_Uv5b66jaBmFN8gEBrpWfptfDluqXU1MUza-5IO2dcFYeLZxEdHCPEJyOsWqnMxYNq6BI/s640/MidnightHoleTreeRiver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
To get to the swimming hole, you hike in a little over a mile on a medium grade trail that is well maintained and wide enough for a vehicle to traverse. It's a bit of a walk but well worth it. Horses are also allowed.<br />
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<br />RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-78183755142282018122013-07-13T06:37:00.003-07:002013-07-13T06:39:56.671-07:00Clouds over the Blue Ridge MountainsI just got back from a few relaxing days in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The view from the porch was gorgeous; perfect for getting video of clouds swirling over the mountain tops.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xD8q5mmTtMQ" width="640"></iframe>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-71903561585146610992013-06-23T05:11:00.001-07:002013-06-23T05:11:09.793-07:00Fort Lewis Lodge near Hot Springs, Virginia<object height="480" width="853"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YLDsGwLFxaE?version=3&hl=en_US"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YLDsGwLFxaE?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-19863456316360108102013-06-02T08:56:00.000-07:002013-06-02T09:06:23.269-07:00Ukai Toriyama restaurant near Tokyo Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.ukai.co.jp/english/toriyama/" target="_blank">Ukai Toriyama</a> is a wonderful restaurant we visited just outside of Tokyo. There were several buildings scattered throughout the grounds, which were filled with koi ponds, water wheels, and flowers.<br />
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This is our guide and friend, Ann Kullberg. She was born in Japan and loves to show people the country. She's also a<a href="http://www.annkullberg.com/" target="_blank"> globe-trotting, world famous artist</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNwXA40OnJJViK_wzey6pMEAHo5s8PS6okHLXAVrFTYOuXSoONzD4kTIvDVfxkBJbl9VjSQVvZhltRqeX1UjPEr4DuAfRB6wfqUDV-okqQVmTNb-BkuzXmVePCaaIKORFAetYf5HMfz3o/s1600/IMG_4990ukaiChefsWaterwheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNwXA40OnJJViK_wzey6pMEAHo5s8PS6okHLXAVrFTYOuXSoONzD4kTIvDVfxkBJbl9VjSQVvZhltRqeX1UjPEr4DuAfRB6wfqUDV-okqQVmTNb-BkuzXmVePCaaIKORFAetYf5HMfz3o/s640/IMG_4990ukaiChefsWaterwheel.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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These are my parents. My mother is also<a href="http://www.gretchenevansparker.com/" target="_blank"> a wonderful artist</a>!</div>
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This is Jane, a friend of Ann's and now ours. She is a wonderful artist too but doesn't have a website : ( She's about to eat a whole fish - she said the back was better than the front.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK6b6Atj_SwGhs9czDr5CHFVj8_5NAQbeqLoxz89QGjFJUQUvJH0rTm3Xr5HBHQqnQ_LGZi1i-NmPwJDREH-ntmVg8Y07Nh95roON5ZVFktXzi6PgADvDBQ256qV90rZMGxdLLi6VAoK9/s1600/IMG_5042sashimiUkaisideways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK6b6Atj_SwGhs9czDr5CHFVj8_5NAQbeqLoxz89QGjFJUQUvJH0rTm3Xr5HBHQqnQ_LGZi1i-NmPwJDREH-ntmVg8Y07Nh95roON5ZVFktXzi6PgADvDBQ256qV90rZMGxdLLi6VAoK9/s640/IMG_5042sashimiUkaisideways.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />Sushi in Japan, sourced from the nearby mountain streams. A little bony but it wins points for authenticity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sGtNsDbbcf4w9Lxxpmp_N2nTeEPaKn1xYStNKdp3sbwGaH-mOhixyPP-Wb-bMPX7HGMnAFvRDLIxEylLkZEwdlgXVqM0cdkJ99WKnSMW_cKydRqPI7rBxfMB6BrA2fhj2aVTN8hVtQDC/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sGtNsDbbcf4w9Lxxpmp_N2nTeEPaKn1xYStNKdp3sbwGaH-mOhixyPP-Wb-bMPX7HGMnAFvRDLIxEylLkZEwdlgXVqM0cdkJ99WKnSMW_cKydRqPI7rBxfMB6BrA2fhj2aVTN8hVtQDC/s640/IMG_5047.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yes, I ate it. Not so good.</div>
<br />RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-35828378043086605412013-06-01T09:01:00.001-07:002013-06-01T09:01:54.797-07:00Our last day exploring Tokyo JapanThis video features our sixth day in Tokyo, and sadly our last. Kyoto is next!<br />
<object height="480" width="853"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6lQfOTQP_C4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6lQfOTQP_C4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-9771940151423525422013-05-28T10:07:00.000-07:002013-05-28T10:07:02.013-07:00Explorations of Nikko and Tokyo Japan <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iLR_MM58yHM" width="560"></iframe>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-47423529724097321932013-05-06T06:30:00.005-07:002013-05-06T06:30:49.605-07:00Nikko Japan video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OTq2N_xvhf0" width="560"></iframe>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-68701936957507995302013-05-05T13:13:00.002-07:002013-05-05T13:13:42.311-07:00Part III - Second day exploring Tokyo Japan<object height="480" width="853"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xq4ujtp-4g0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Xq4ujtp-4g0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-49134999188480539722013-05-02T05:07:00.000-07:002013-05-02T05:07:09.075-07:00Part II - First day exploring Tokyo<object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a3nW-OaFcpw?version=3&hl=en_US"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a3nW-OaFcpw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-50560541956913713552013-05-02T05:06:00.002-07:002013-05-02T05:06:32.343-07:00Part I - Getting to Japan<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T2Q1-pfFaN0" width="640"></iframe>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-67163104121609198962013-04-01T10:51:00.003-07:002013-04-01T10:51:44.897-07:00Rome, ItalyWhen in Rome, you feel like you're in a different dimension. Everywhere you look, there is a masterpiece of sculpture, engineering, or architecture. It's like <a href="http://travel4zen.blogspot.com/2012/04/charleston-south-carolina-garden-tour.html" target="_blank">Charleston</a> on crack. It must have been an exciting time, living in Rome and Florence during the Renaissance. There was so much creative energy, and it was embraced and beloved by the culture in a way that never has happened before or since.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHsHj4bt-SwpCpc0EugjhLzMkxTiSwhmSOOgd9QyJzvoAIpFa5OUOdmh1qplWYLakZRJRTuoCpb8HEhFLCiz3Zv3gRVaGJuT1mF_salg40LeRQ1fDA-cn99FNK9pKNMR9vV0FMCAUDAmU/s1600/DSCF0068trevi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHsHj4bt-SwpCpc0EugjhLzMkxTiSwhmSOOgd9QyJzvoAIpFa5OUOdmh1qplWYLakZRJRTuoCpb8HEhFLCiz3Zv3gRVaGJuT1mF_salg40LeRQ1fDA-cn99FNK9pKNMR9vV0FMCAUDAmU/s640/DSCF0068trevi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a detail of the Trevi fountain</div>
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This fountain is at the end of an aqueduct that dates back to 19 BC. Work began it in 1732 AD.</div>
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I think they mean some serious business - this is at the entrance to the Vatican</div>
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Yeah, I meant to get this motion blur ; )</div>
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Detail of part of the Forum</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Activity on the area where the Forum is located dates back to the 7th century BC when it was drained and made into a sewer system. Some serious history went down there: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Marc Antony</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">'s </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">funeral oration for Caesar</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> (immortalized in </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shakespeare</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">'s </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">famous play</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">) was delivered there as well as</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> the public burning of Caesar's body</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 13.328125px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> Marc Antony displayed the severed head and right hand of his enemy </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cicero</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> at the Rostra, a structure within the Forum. Ewwwwwwwww.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiXGdi9Ujyv6aWAZFg-MAKgkuTpCy0DXWiV7CzMeAexgOXVTThx920UtUsB6TpDYQz2u0L6JMIKwxI2QVzQMPqNxJnnxamo6vpNaouTIWmaCLkW4iE5sXvYLvoQcfwjIbmYCJKNjnJpOY/s1600/DSCF0495colliseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiXGdi9Ujyv6aWAZFg-MAKgkuTpCy0DXWiV7CzMeAexgOXVTThx920UtUsB6TpDYQz2u0L6JMIKwxI2QVzQMPqNxJnnxamo6vpNaouTIWmaCLkW4iE5sXvYLvoQcfwjIbmYCJKNjnJpOY/s640/DSCF0495colliseum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Coliseum</div>
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Work began on the Coliseum in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. Now that's old!</div>
<br />RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-20502605467212843212013-03-30T06:59:00.001-07:002013-03-30T06:59:04.432-07:00Southeast Spring Garden Tours 2013; some favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRThleZwTu697ZuJHjn7C6goLoNy-4hTCfCONp975WbGVungC25mx3-P0rIMIez2XpBCiA-0HQOs9jngZV5pSiHDOyGzJP7WTfm20cYQkOb5Kh6kN1nlfoJqvVkW0p5GDyZfp0nVNp0WYv/s1600/gardenatlantajune2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRThleZwTu697ZuJHjn7C6goLoNy-4hTCfCONp975WbGVungC25mx3-P0rIMIez2XpBCiA-0HQOs9jngZV5pSiHDOyGzJP7WTfm20cYQkOb5Kh6kN1nlfoJqvVkW0p5GDyZfp0nVNp0WYv/s640/gardenatlantajune2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every year, the<a href="http://www.georgiaperennial.org/" target="_blank"> Georgia Perennial Plant Association </a>put on an AMAZING event in May with garden tours across Atlanta. This year it will be May 4-5. Believe it or not, the gardens are more spectacular than the ones you'll see on a Charleston, SC tour!</div>
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I just learned of a new Southeastern event in Raleigh; <a href="http://tourdcoop.com/tickets/" target="_blank">Tour D'Coops</a>. It's a tour of chicken coops and gardens, May 18, 2013. I might just have to check this one out!</div>
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Of course, Charleston, SC is king of garden and home tours in the spring. Even though they might not be as good as the Atlanta gardens you'll be allowed to see, you'll wander down little streets you never knew existed and see some beautiful houses and gardens.</div>
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Check out <a href="https://www.historiccharleston.org/Events/Annual-Festival-of-Houses-and-Gardens/House-Garden-Tours.aspx" target="_blank">Historic Charleston Foundation's tours</a>, on now through April 20, 2013.</div>
RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-84701491306972280862012-07-11T07:14:00.002-07:002012-07-11T15:53:32.055-07:00Nicaragua and Costa Rica<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEvZS1djbIwBfqJTUQfxkrEf1Pg7M9j8S4LubrFS87nBkpeZVIzyYghblF38W3xLa0Hmfb3NahpBQoIRWCNPEriKuq7mA8sW_FZF5FcT-JQ8u5vwNiwzwTodUlDeTZcGrYOTsyZ_cnZ-0/s1600/flirtyboysInNicaragua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEvZS1djbIwBfqJTUQfxkrEf1Pg7M9j8S4LubrFS87nBkpeZVIzyYghblF38W3xLa0Hmfb3NahpBQoIRWCNPEriKuq7mA8sW_FZF5FcT-JQ8u5vwNiwzwTodUlDeTZcGrYOTsyZ_cnZ-0/s640/flirtyboysInNicaragua.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a picture I took in Nicaragua, featuring Central American machismo in full force. The guys are VERY flirty there, but as you can see, from my experience, it was always in good fun and respectful.</div>
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On a more serious note, here are some more cool pics I took on that trip...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw23bio-P9vWkUkGSjdfIW-xVmW7Myz73kkxcFTvVNxtsnl3JSfrsgg4dQemYL3rvkJAGUlNZL4A3R_ZNQtq0SMz5XwSQWaQEbtjfrckhQ5J0of44zor0knghqufWF7z6XJFlh4uXEGX-g/s1600/rachelsstudio.comGranadaWatchFixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw23bio-P9vWkUkGSjdfIW-xVmW7Myz73kkxcFTvVNxtsnl3JSfrsgg4dQemYL3rvkJAGUlNZL4A3R_ZNQtq0SMz5XwSQWaQEbtjfrckhQ5J0of44zor0knghqufWF7z6XJFlh4uXEGX-g/s640/rachelsstudio.comGranadaWatchFixer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This guy wasn't so flirty. We had stopped at his friend's table to get a watch repaired and I was pretending to take pictures of the repairer. But I found the yellow shirted man's expression much more intriguing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XjrpjWUi967iYaxRD1koWd_1Jy1uVjUzUBXZM_J8z7Yih1mcA8o6qcAycmTuSdxGklZEYg1yFvvoEDV-C2K8DbQoTolga5WBwu6VQv9pV69EgUnQgzQZJWCb4bMRatbRtNpf7Lp7mVKp/s1600/tamarindo.boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XjrpjWUi967iYaxRD1koWd_1Jy1uVjUzUBXZM_J8z7Yih1mcA8o6qcAycmTuSdxGklZEYg1yFvvoEDV-C2K8DbQoTolga5WBwu6VQv9pV69EgUnQgzQZJWCb4bMRatbRtNpf7Lp7mVKp/s640/tamarindo.boy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Tamarindo, Costa Rica</div>
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There's a bit of a story behind this trip (isn't there always?). I am also<a href="http://www.rachelsstudio.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"> an artist</span></a>, and I'm always looking for good pictures to paint. I found some <a href="http://community.webshots.com/user/karin_from_zurich" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">beautiful ones of cats</span></a>, and asked the owner for permission to paint them. We got to be friends, and it just so happens she lives in Switzerland. So that summer, I told her I wanted to visit her in Switzerland. She replied "I'm jealous, I want to go somewhere!" Long story short, we agreed to meet in Costa Rica. It was an amazing trip!</div>
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<br /></div>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-21090834635090581982012-06-15T10:32:00.002-07:002012-06-15T10:33:37.274-07:00The zen of travelI was recently reading a post from <a href="http://www.wanderingearl.com/blog/" target="_blank">Wandering Earl </a>, and he wrote about why he loves to travel. Here are my thoughts on why I love to travel...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: LucidaGrande, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I love to travel for so many reasons, but if I try to distill it down to the root of what appeals to me, it is the state of zen, that awareness of ‘now’, of living fully in the moment. Travel just naturally puts me in that state of mind. Of course it can be achieved anywhere, but I have to discipline myself to remember to do so. When I’m wandering a back alley of Florence, or trekking through a valley in Yosemite, I can’t help but be completely aware of all my senses, and to fully revel in them. Every moment is a celebration.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdvYJsTxvQVjoUHcwbn4D6kyx0DPyZnNAK7aHCP3PvrSVbRfSq88kAhuPWs1FYfk1ypaOs336XHXy9njdKQi5LxOn5M1ISyxL6Auy5QZDP3WW98SJs23MusNqBQArpPl-y_Vn-E68bLlB/s1600/me.Vatican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdvYJsTxvQVjoUHcwbn4D6kyx0DPyZnNAK7aHCP3PvrSVbRfSq88kAhuPWs1FYfk1ypaOs336XHXy9njdKQi5LxOn5M1ISyxL6Auy5QZDP3WW98SJs23MusNqBQArpPl-y_Vn-E68bLlB/s640/me.Vatican.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Experiencing full awareness at the Vatican : )<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: LucidaGrande, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-72165204004861684652012-05-27T21:55:00.000-07:002012-05-27T21:55:13.619-07:00Atlanta Garden Tour and Spa Weekend<span style="text-align: center;">I recently went with a friend for a girls' spa weekend and garden tour in Atlanta. We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, previously known as the Mansion on Peachtree. I chose this hotel partly because it made the<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cLuxury-g191" target="_blank"> top 25 hotels in the nation on tripadvisor.com</a>, and also because it was one of the few hotels in Atlanta that had a wet lounge in the spa, meaning there was a hot tub, sauna, showers, and steam room along with an indoor pool, all freely available to guests until 9 pm every day, although the staff leaves at 7 pm.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnEZE_ccX9Hjd4iD1oHyslxJPxgvuQAvkpGoSJ5i04n-8aBEObYaiJfpF-xFBYiwuLwS7Vo27YJl-5URcujjtxmQ6W0-S6maUyuM9_kwWFXHbHoshIAUxMvfOac7zhdqxs6HZ7TlJHxBF/s1600/MandarinOrientalMansionPeachtree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnEZE_ccX9Hjd4iD1oHyslxJPxgvuQAvkpGoSJ5i04n-8aBEObYaiJfpF-xFBYiwuLwS7Vo27YJl-5URcujjtxmQ6W0-S6maUyuM9_kwWFXHbHoshIAUxMvfOac7zhdqxs6HZ7TlJHxBF/s640/MandarinOrientalMansionPeachtree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The dining room at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2pmgCYUiAmQ1o2qMof16L-Z3zkO1Gw7AnpUdvmfdal3LrtdRz4TLO16hylAvMa6i0QXo9qXYSgD1hroHNCIEC8OJsMRcCqiJ1-2G4x0Uhtf-IiSUnWBXFs4E99evMyLu1sbileJTS29c/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2pmgCYUiAmQ1o2qMof16L-Z3zkO1Gw7AnpUdvmfdal3LrtdRz4TLO16hylAvMa6i0QXo9qXYSgD1hroHNCIEC8OJsMRcCqiJ1-2G4x0Uhtf-IiSUnWBXFs4E99evMyLu1sbileJTS29c/s640/IMG_1640.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The garden tour was spectacular, as it was in 2011. The <a href="http://georgiaperennial.org/" target="_blank">Georgia Perennial Association </a>hosted it.<br />
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Here are some highlights from the spa and from the garden tour. </div>
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If you view my video on youtube, you will see other uncut videos. I did a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AmRPtQ2DpE&feature=channel&list=UL" target="_blank">complete walk-through</a> of the spa on video for those of you curious about the layout. <br />
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/rachelsstudio_com" target="_blank">Here's the review I wrote for tripadvisor of this hotel:</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">A girlfriend and I went on the Atlanta Perennial Association's Garden tour and decided to make a spa weekend out of it. We chose Mansion on Peachtree and were not disappointed. We stayed in room 1502 with two double beds. The room was comfortable and had nice views. I would have loved to get a room with a window tub, but they had none, although they were willing to give us a free upgrade, so be sure to ask for that! The hotel was very quiet and relaxing, but our main mission was to relax at the spa.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> As soon as we arrived we went straight there. I had a french manicure, which was very well done. I'm rough on my nails, and five days later, as I write this, they look great! My friend had a massage and pedicure that she was very happy with. We sat in the whirlpool, steam room and sauna and enjoyed $20 hamburgers on the outdoor terrace. There are a couple things I think they could do to improve this spa. The relaxation room was open with no door, and the hairdryers were loud. The whirlpool and pool needed a good scrub. And to get to the pool from the spa, you have to go out to the spa lobby, get on an elevator, and ride it down 3 floors to the pool. I love it when hotels have a hot tub by the pool, and this establishment did not have that. BUT, you could walk outside the pool to the terrace and enjoy the views of the hotel's lovely English garden. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Also, it's nice that the spa is available free to hotel guests even if they don't book treatments, and I spent many hours there just relaxing and enjoying the amenities. I also enjoyed the spa showers - they provided facial cleanser (which was actually a menthol scrub that you don't want to get in your eyes!), shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash along with free razors. The only other thing I missed that I enjoy at other spas is scented ice washcloths. The bottom line is, despite these areas for room for improvement, I would highly recommend this place for a girls' spa weekend! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It's affordable if you share a room with a double bed - we had tons of room. The turn down service at night was a nice touch with a floor mat and slippers provided. Just be sure to bring your own refreshments - as with most places, the in room goody bar was expensive - $5 for a mini bottle of soda!!! The beds were beyond wonderful with pillowtop mattresses and clean white duvets.</span></div>
</div>RachelParkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13886585229493675435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-56854034062757137602012-04-11T08:59:00.001-07:002012-04-11T18:06:36.467-07:00Kauai, Hawaii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I went to Hawaii by myself, fresh after a break up. Originally, I was supposed to go on this trip as one half of a duo, but when he backed out, I decided to go alone. If you haven't ever tried traveling alone, TRY IT!!!! It was an amazing experience and I met people I would not have otherwise met. I ended up spending one whole day with two retired teachers who came to Kauai often and so got to experience it on a more local level. I met another guy who was a homeless hippy who painted beautifully and kept notebooks just like Leonardo da Vinci (and he looked a bit like da Vinci, in fact!) Several Europeans stayed at my hostel, and I hung out with them and learned about where they were from and their different perspectives about life.<br />
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Plus, I got a lot of inspiration for some paintings, such as...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS85iYJ75-cGzwCfMiUmt8txf3jeePPfzzbP8vRimdimS21Rag08BdSXDWJD6lWR8XNRZNcqfTpMO6Dq3eHp4ryo1vJ_U8LuPnXRe-lRcYBXCkXXLI3e8_BXcCbjmzU7QLX-04KBzL2g/s1600/cow.P1010597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS85iYJ75-cGzwCfMiUmt8txf3jeePPfzzbP8vRimdimS21Rag08BdSXDWJD6lWR8XNRZNcqfTpMO6Dq3eHp4ryo1vJ_U8LuPnXRe-lRcYBXCkXXLI3e8_BXcCbjmzU7QLX-04KBzL2g/s640/cow.P1010597.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These cows started out staring at me from a safe distance of several hundred yards away. One would take a step forward (slowly), then another, then another, until after 20 minutes of them inching towards me, they were right up at the fence trying to get a sniff. I couldn't resist painting them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsqEaKdfsrMgXU4N_Sro3y0f2wRdnpwcdZMyqGVZwYUs5_vzuF9X8Isp1Y5YE-9JBpttpMGCS5XPJ_YFN5Qo_CS_BnoKhUvojuKTbwr4A4GB-NBMMNnHoP-7TyjFaX9_nEwj0Ulhyphenhyphen2fo/s1600/CuriousCowsIIFull.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsqEaKdfsrMgXU4N_Sro3y0f2wRdnpwcdZMyqGVZwYUs5_vzuF9X8Isp1Y5YE-9JBpttpMGCS5XPJ_YFN5Qo_CS_BnoKhUvojuKTbwr4A4GB-NBMMNnHoP-7TyjFaX9_nEwj0Ulhyphenhyphen2fo/s640/CuriousCowsIIFull.tif" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf7od64v2TlFwUwLtc3_R7_2KXgMvcLQGw-OIb14eeiaIcOco2YROuCsLnfzLfMQ9SR0Dthbk5gRlxt_ZLdsUuD8ZamaKFDawja1j4RR_bF73agSkx8AAYx0V1q1j_bBOYna_GTd1WCo/s1600/small.sealodge.beach.coral.P1010376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf7od64v2TlFwUwLtc3_R7_2KXgMvcLQGw-OIb14eeiaIcOco2YROuCsLnfzLfMQ9SR0Dthbk5gRlxt_ZLdsUuD8ZamaKFDawja1j4RR_bF73agSkx8AAYx0V1q1j_bBOYna_GTd1WCo/s640/small.sealodge.beach.coral.P1010376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Most of the beaches in Kauai were very empty. This one was near Princeville. I found another one that was at least a mile long one morning around 9 am, and not another soul there. It was GORGEOUS! (That was close the end of the road near Na Pali Coast State Park)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu7G-HqwHH4ZDWxpAmRs1H8_rjawu0InFEl6xuUu8EXLIbHlgmxtvmYYwdyjNLh3yIyOMkJvztwuNCxW9ZxPvpf_u56Nq8B3zt6lq-4UtR9PninePt50IFh-TZ9MXv1ntf2_7jWzbMTY/s1600/small.sunset.P1010337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu7G-HqwHH4ZDWxpAmRs1H8_rjawu0InFEl6xuUu8EXLIbHlgmxtvmYYwdyjNLh3yIyOMkJvztwuNCxW9ZxPvpf_u56Nq8B3zt6lq-4UtR9PninePt50IFh-TZ9MXv1ntf2_7jWzbMTY/s640/small.sunset.P1010337.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq7NBmgLrinm_ncKPALvu4F6LAapScT-8UGADJjF3KAgFGHqTm_a88DAP__GWA8ZNsFxEWof2rmBChXL5M9ala96uhFlAc59AfqY628EuieC5IFrGR1opJuGmLuxz51zJfDvgeAgglhw/s1600/swing.P1010604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq7NBmgLrinm_ncKPALvu4F6LAapScT-8UGADJjF3KAgFGHqTm_a88DAP__GWA8ZNsFxEWof2rmBChXL5M9ala96uhFlAc59AfqY628EuieC5IFrGR1opJuGmLuxz51zJfDvgeAgglhw/s640/swing.P1010604.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rope swing at the beautiful <a href="http://www.hawaiiweb.com/kauai/kipu-falls.html#detaileddescription" target="_blank">Kipu Falls</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIedj6VaXL8DTyEI5WJSkE4boeR9gMLq_3YV-xZAxnplKSpCz8Cy-_jjvA5yNgFiuaTRHtGy6eYMeWHUi-El4lTLzpEu-mZTgCTI056OGZu-o4UTyREUcCCnxuXGsqV7mrIYyy8CLsBs/s1600/waterfall.waimeaP1010089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIedj6VaXL8DTyEI5WJSkE4boeR9gMLq_3YV-xZAxnplKSpCz8Cy-_jjvA5yNgFiuaTRHtGy6eYMeWHUi-El4lTLzpEu-mZTgCTI056OGZu-o4UTyREUcCCnxuXGsqV7mrIYyy8CLsBs/s640/waterfall.waimeaP1010089.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waimea_Canyon_State_Park" target="_blank">Waimea Canyon</a> (see the waterfall to the right?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlWLdiWUKLZBOcWeZHEV-6jRjGrgTiMTxYfBelxLaQmDtOOTvv4KjQhly92TxRRPMy9vguHFDCpXGGbAqtumxPqjhbhdn6I3KAL_JhP8po0Zs6YSpH1zQwKxABfN_jIIDSPP58ZMheK0/s1600/P1010423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlWLdiWUKLZBOcWeZHEV-6jRjGrgTiMTxYfBelxLaQmDtOOTvv4KjQhly92TxRRPMy9vguHFDCpXGGbAqtumxPqjhbhdn6I3KAL_JhP8po0Zs6YSpH1zQwKxABfN_jIIDSPP58ZMheK0/s640/P1010423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kauai is home to the wettest spot on earth, they say. This picture is the result of another random hike down a trail I found whilst out poking around with my rental car.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGusIP59b5USAxXfW57nknO02JgYbh7WoIwNpYNWTTOpAjd8SPlM4v9tPr9A2bDHQ4fKSpKgmohOA_FxvofNVsLwcfPKHXusymzguV1Mfi461kplO37c1npors3A1odR-ninQkHW7VHHQ/s1600/P1010416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGusIP59b5USAxXfW57nknO02JgYbh7WoIwNpYNWTTOpAjd8SPlM4v9tPr9A2bDHQ4fKSpKgmohOA_FxvofNVsLwcfPKHXusymzguV1Mfi461kplO37c1npors3A1odR-ninQkHW7VHHQ/s640/P1010416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At least someone was getting a little love in Kauai!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmt3JgoBS3yVqZ5bs4rQCiC7r4qO43XWZ6ETQN4LE696_CMlQ7dwsh-380Ln8VIyvI9n0ZvMfq6YTUDIhdfhD24lrXT2Gssb7LNsH3XcAi-p4gjLzvUxc92dNO8mLlTZazi5ZgHCoAjY/s1600/P1010438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmt3JgoBS3yVqZ5bs4rQCiC7r4qO43XWZ6ETQN4LE696_CMlQ7dwsh-380Ln8VIyvI9n0ZvMfq6YTUDIhdfhD24lrXT2Gssb7LNsH3XcAi-p4gjLzvUxc92dNO8mLlTZazi5ZgHCoAjY/s640/P1010438.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just one of the <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/kauai/0011020110.html" target="_blank">spectacular beaches</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCni7C8eQxB58kgBf_G8OsAcNrbWAqfhyxZf-bJ7qpMUky_fHCXPozqVyHJIGQCExCVTWRuYaWuLzAgyo94ajBtpZmBcz-AgIRnF_U-ucVBqkN18FtqbNRMz3JA_8yYSZCaH_eyDVgllk/s1600/mountains.P1010459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCni7C8eQxB58kgBf_G8OsAcNrbWAqfhyxZf-bJ7qpMUky_fHCXPozqVyHJIGQCExCVTWRuYaWuLzAgyo94ajBtpZmBcz-AgIRnF_U-ucVBqkN18FtqbNRMz3JA_8yYSZCaH_eyDVgllk/s640/mountains.P1010459.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are random waterfalls everywhere. When it rains, they start flowing from the mountain tops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For lodging, I stayed at the <a href="http://www.honueahostel.com/" target="_blank">hostel in Kapaa</a>. It was fun, and there were people from all over the world staying there, including the<a href="http://rachelsstudio.blogspot.com/2006/07/back-from-hawaii.html" target="_blank"> permanent house-guest/Leonardo da Vinci clone</a>. Plus the guy that was managing it at the time had a style aesthetic close to that of the artist formally known as Prince. He regaled me with stories such as how he dressed as a Playboy bunny for a halloween party and everyone thought he was the shizzle. He said all the girls wanted to grab his little 'poof'. I bet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> But if I went back now, I think I'd stay at <a href="http://www.astonhotels.com/resort/overview/aston-waimea-plantation-cottages" target="_blank">Waimea Plantation Cottages</a> for a more authentic experience. For more luxurious places, check out <a href="http://kauai.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null" target="_blank">Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa</a> or <a href="http://www.stregisprinceville.com/" target="_blank">St. Regis Princeville Resort</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best Beaches: Poipu Beach, Hanalei Bay, Kalihi Wai Beach, and Makua Beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div>rachelsstudio.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13316957178216438256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265897325537402240.post-26258247088118709022012-04-09T19:06:00.000-07:002012-04-09T19:06:40.638-07:00Pictures from Florence Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As an artist, you'd think my favorite thing about Florence was all the amazing art at every turn. But I think one of my favorite things about Florence was how the buildings glowed in the late afternoon sun. The light was magical! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctHH8gv1_CquuEVg-RwJi0YiDSEbDPb24wLXsaiTfjMAarLTdYG3iStiU8tOeKDo9HZDNX7By-EXyucWeqB3zPlnUnTUoKL4VbHfakuELAFCgKth_p_ZVjKMm9DseZX0fgEvP564J3FI/s1600/FlorenceStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctHH8gv1_CquuEVg-RwJi0YiDSEbDPb24wLXsaiTfjMAarLTdYG3iStiU8tOeKDo9HZDNX7By-EXyucWeqB3zPlnUnTUoKL4VbHfakuELAFCgKth_p_ZVjKMm9DseZX0fgEvP564J3FI/s640/FlorenceStreet.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYw4xqU0ptGM3Y-koUx4FROgScQjE7klQj2EYySeUnmkLQZA4ipH1-zDVAr2MFTPxrySAh8f5BM9LCyg48JBNeL7VIE4jrwqNwddI8LRI83x77dv7P3sa0zCKaZAHQS412zV5nOfmTqiM/s1600/FlorenceVegis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYw4xqU0ptGM3Y-koUx4FROgScQjE7klQj2EYySeUnmkLQZA4ipH1-zDVAr2MFTPxrySAh8f5BM9LCyg48JBNeL7VIE4jrwqNwddI8LRI83x77dv7P3sa0zCKaZAHQS412zV5nOfmTqiM/s640/FlorenceVegis.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Another favorite way to enjoy the city was to wander down random alleys. I came upon this colorful display of vegis during one such foray.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc7OGYIWApYncBIj1tqb4DL0J5JWLDrLHoTZGPTAxHU2zz6fa3CQp_mOWi6FihtcOGdEYYQtILGpwTvJdDBDIeQ503tP-AvaIIVPLuI7KS60Otj0wmCN0QTuz2M6aNTHFhJHoSf0nSj0/s1600/duomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc7OGYIWApYncBIj1tqb4DL0J5JWLDrLHoTZGPTAxHU2zz6fa3CQp_mOWi6FihtcOGdEYYQtILGpwTvJdDBDIeQ503tP-AvaIIVPLuI7KS60Otj0wmCN0QTuz2M6aNTHFhJHoSf0nSj0/s640/duomo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> But the architectural masterpieces ARE breathtaking. I took this photo from the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187895-d258613-Reviews-Hotel_Duomo-Florence_Tuscany.html" target="_blank">hotel's </a>breakfast area where I stayed. We could have thrown a stone across the alley from our room and hit the Duomo. The video below demonstrates...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yE6gT3AfBIQ" width="420"></iframe></div><br />
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I climbed to the top of the Duomo - the video below shows how big it really is. How did they build such masterpieces that long ago?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G2JkPLtuYbo" width="420"></iframe></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QTF1djr4WRPD2Rva3jgkfXkF_XJeYSk-F7jeH4wms0a3Mw4dbN8QqblkSwn-ve0QJnAQSMkxiCity3im0aYpcbD6jRiwQWAADGeeK_7fMnlFGDpZVAQAT69rXyhE5T3jwf69OSLQRLc/s1600/florenceArno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QTF1djr4WRPD2Rva3jgkfXkF_XJeYSk-F7jeH4wms0a3Mw4dbN8QqblkSwn-ve0QJnAQSMkxiCity3im0aYpcbD6jRiwQWAADGeeK_7fMnlFGDpZVAQAT69rXyhE5T3jwf69OSLQRLc/s640/florenceArno.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Arno</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK3zvf1KSXOK-F_3i95EOWbBctsbarZ6phrqZRuZeGQ0VXPCxl687MTz_T2c_5vLOPljizpK67qkZbSscvKS1nTz6PoCxbLM8VM-1EkbR4phIi4zq1Zb-Cau89_vC_lknId2TsozuKHM/s1600/florenceStatues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK3zvf1KSXOK-F_3i95EOWbBctsbarZ6phrqZRuZeGQ0VXPCxl687MTz_T2c_5vLOPljizpK67qkZbSscvKS1nTz6PoCxbLM8VM-1EkbR4phIi4zq1Zb-Cau89_vC_lknId2TsozuKHM/s640/florenceStatues.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Florence, people live their day to day lives among museum worthy art. I loved the juxtaposition of the ordinary with the extraordinary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUfXbQ4s3PrD7j4pCCYY6cvlGsEn4aQlbLPPF2Fn3bU8AWlIRsGAAITz15Vxc1REmo7B9TpyexR6L6OKq0MlyPPdQgA4BGHB1k344JJbclkGa8sstxWuOqUJAE6PmsEQi2gGgTDz5gUI/s1600/florencepontevacchioLunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUfXbQ4s3PrD7j4pCCYY6cvlGsEn4aQlbLPPF2Fn3bU8AWlIRsGAAITz15Vxc1REmo7B9TpyexR6L6OKq0MlyPPdQgA4BGHB1k344JJbclkGa8sstxWuOqUJAE6PmsEQi2gGgTDz5gUI/s640/florencepontevacchioLunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lunch by Ponte Vecchio</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7PKWNwF_4ScmJzeqpwNEGk-ujbfm_w51neKaId8m7_UgMpsnYhIQ8BMM7mi-Z7ZYk1KRkY5uxkUEBs2ebytoBRI1rlJdvE30i_z_io_D8wrgqxuS0RQtW7ubgBxJh0gdnJAdOTKjl0k/s1600/florencesignoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7PKWNwF_4ScmJzeqpwNEGk-ujbfm_w51neKaId8m7_UgMpsnYhIQ8BMM7mi-Z7ZYk1KRkY5uxkUEBs2ebytoBRI1rlJdvE30i_z_io_D8wrgqxuS0RQtW7ubgBxJh0gdnJAdOTKjl0k/s640/florencesignoria.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Dinner by the infamous Piazza Signoria, which dates back to the 14th century and is where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girolamo_Savonarola#Excommunication_and_execution" target="_blank">Savanarola </a>was executed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bGcRE-xwbTCAJ1YkdQu7XkGtt9K_bLC6yA-ZAjpLjfVsFAREPdtZvpTbiIvdt_RzESAsk_gqb_GBUCzj7fS1kUFC9T_9YF7kUi0hEFPJ7k0zrn5MhUuMR2VQGk-Z3X4_-Tyx6fvsUp4/s1600/florencetiredTourists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bGcRE-xwbTCAJ1YkdQu7XkGtt9K_bLC6yA-ZAjpLjfVsFAREPdtZvpTbiIvdt_RzESAsk_gqb_GBUCzj7fS1kUFC9T_9YF7kUi0hEFPJ7k0zrn5MhUuMR2VQGk-Z3X4_-Tyx6fvsUp4/s640/florencetiredTourists.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB8XXVqi1u2WT9wJRUEwjsRsULnTpb3yeBCmpQBbtT60Iag2eO-tLxsgBm_Of1ljxU-e2ZWDuH31377XCXrP-JFdPyU0CnLjRGpV2vuH0zsZmsyaPy_UgnP23-BCuh7Dwn8UmqNxOmDI/s1600/pontevechio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB8XXVqi1u2WT9wJRUEwjsRsULnTpb3yeBCmpQBbtT60Iag2eO-tLxsgBm_Of1ljxU-e2ZWDuH31377XCXrP-JFdPyU0CnLjRGpV2vuH0zsZmsyaPy_UgnP23-BCuh7Dwn8UmqNxOmDI/s640/pontevechio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ponte Vecchio</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMwvlKgL3iNN2-WGc_-MqOCbuvDUYHi4IXUDdE5DQn6TZUSJn27n4Fek_atXaxfoYHkASCi2yQXAr9Cjjug0rMR_u3EorivVsiZvNZ2QA1f8c0Gzwb6KO2ZEvlT7HlYflxR-ILQkF-Yg/s1600/FlorencePonteVecchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMwvlKgL3iNN2-WGc_-MqOCbuvDUYHi4IXUDdE5DQn6TZUSJn27n4Fek_atXaxfoYHkASCi2yQXAr9Cjjug0rMR_u3EorivVsiZvNZ2QA1f8c0Gzwb6KO2ZEvlT7HlYflxR-ILQkF-Yg/s640/FlorencePonteVecchio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>rachelsstudio.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13316957178216438256noreply@blogger.com0