The Bickersons take Italia

The wonders of Italy never cease – from centuries old architecture, warm hospitality, cuisine that appeals to all palates and the multitude of Americans that keep invading the area.  Every so often and in the most unexpected places you come across a unique example of what defines the term “ugly American”.   

We traveled to Florence from Venice on the relatively new Trenitalia Treni ad Alta Velocita.  The trip took two hours and was extremely smooth and quiet.  An effortless journey for the most part -- with exception of the painful couple (the “Bickersons” as I will call them) that sat across the aisle from us on our high-speed train ride through the Italian countryside.  They were somewhere from the Midwest of America and dressed the part.  Mrs. Bickerson wore an unflattering uniform-issue heather gray tracksuit and accessorized by glaringly ugly running shoes.

The Bickersons talked non-stop throughout the journey. They argued. They debated and they bickered. They broke protocol that common sense would prevail when in a foreign land.  Mrs. Bickerson even contemplated about removing her nail polish in the first class cabin but thankfully, common sense did prevail.   She realized that acetone fumes may be offensive to the neighbors.  How considerate of her.

Our voyage continues and we certainly hope not to see the Bickersons again on the next leg of our journey.

Tips to consider before boarding your train in La Serenissima (aka Venice): when porterage assistance is requested and provided from your water taxi to the train – two suitcases will cost you Euro 15 but no tip required.
 

The Big Flying Kangaroo

The Airbus A380  debuted in 2008 and in that context, I am a late arrival.  But late or not, I was however fortunate enough to travel from Los Angeles to Sydney on Qantas #12 last week and lucky me, the aircraft for the flight that day just so happened to be the big flying kangaroo!

How this leviathan of an aircraft takes off and stays in the air for over 15 hours still blows my mind.  And take off it did -- quietly -- effortless -- and with over 450 passengers onboard.  Not only did it transport us safely to our destination but it did so with the quiet comfort unlike any other aircraft.  This engineering marvel took years to conceptualize, develop and launch and all I can say (and so eloquently at that) is WOW!

On this voyage, I was fortunate enough to be in Business Class which takes up almost up 75 percent of the entire upper deck and it actually felt private.  The serene pod-like seats allowed for enough privacy and comfort.  Staffed by friendly, attractive and attentive flight attendants, they provided consistently wonderful service.  They were impeccably uniformed and were always attentive thoughout the journey.

 

I travel over 200,000 miles a year but this trip was kind of different.   It felt special.  Special in a way that reminded me of my childhood.  A time when I was about to experience my first trip on that giant PanAm Clipper in a B-747.  This time was special indeed -- like a kid once again -- excited to board that plane and play with the array of amenities offered and tinker with all the electronic toys that awaited me.

Our flight lasted 15 hours and it could have gone on forever but alas, all good things come to an end.  

I head back to NYC in a couple of days and the only thing I dread is that long haul return flight on a vintage 747-400 and not the Big Flying Kangaroo.

Las Vegas redux

And the countdown begins ....

Was at the Bellagio to start mapping out details for events at Virtuoso Travel Mart which is 176 days away!  Feels like I was just in Las Vegas considering it was my home for 10 nights in August 2010.

The Bellagio looks fresh as ever.  Business seems to be returning -- Sensi Restaurant is open, spa appointments are not readily available and taxi queues are back.  It does feel good!

By the way, the Bellagio is doing a room refurb that will give their regular rooms a fresh look so stay tuned.

Competition abounds in Vegas and we are fortunate enough to work with the most fabulous hotels in the city -- Wynn, Encore, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Aria but as far as Travel Mart is concerned, Bellagio still wears the crown.

Pictured at right is the Bellagio tribute to the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit in their world-famous flower garden.

Leading Hotels of the World Annual Conference - Tokyo, Japan

My last day in Tokyo.   What better way to spend it by savoring the serenity of the Imperial Park and view of the Palace from the Peninsula Tokyo and having breakfast with the Emperor.  Well not really but at least close enough from my suite.

Wrapped up a busy week with meetings and activities organized by LHW for their annual conference.  Jean Jacques Gauer was honored for his 20 years as Chairman of the 82-year old organization and passed on the baton to Andrea Kracht, Owner of the Baur au Lac, incoming Chairman.

Yokoso!!!

Out of Africa (And Back to New York City)

I have just returned from an amazing week in Africa; Kenya to be specific.  It was a trip I will always remember. The sights, the sounds the friendly warmth of the people - and the incredible juxtaposition of luxurious amenities with the untamed beauty of the African plains.

They say that visiting Africa changes you forever and I for one believe it. I spied on groups of elephants, played with baby cheetahs, and got a personal welcome from a group of Masai warriors!

The trip was orchestrated by Micato Safaris, a family-owned and operated business that has won virtually every travel award available for the quality of their trips. I was immediately taken in by their obvious delight in sharing their home country and culture with us.

After a lengthy flight from New York, we began our African adventure in Nairobi, ensconced at the historic Fairmont, The Norfolk hotel.  Built in 1904, the elegant hotel, hard by the bush, is said to have been the starting point for the development of the city of Nairobi.  Originally designed as a place for weary game hunters to rest and relax, it has since played host to dignitaries from around the world. The hotel's architecture and decor is a glorious mix of colonial and African influences and I could easily picture the ladies and gentleman of Colonial society sipping their drinks on the beautifully appointed out door terrace.

After an amazing welcome reception, I went happily off to bed for some much needed rest. The next morning after a safari briefing from Micato (always important to know how to behave in the midst of wild animals!) we lunched at the residence of Ambassador Michael Ranneberger, the current US Ambassador to Kenya. He is a fascinating man, who has made his life in diplomacy. He is responsible for relations with Somalia and has aided diplomatic efforts in Mogadishu, Cuba and El Salvador. The ambassador was a very gracious host and we had a delicious luncheon.

The next day we headed off into the bush and the majestic plains of the Masai Mara. I was eager to see some elephants and hunt some of the other Big Five animals, armed with my trusty camera.