Cancun, Riviera Maya, Azul Fives - Spring 2012

It is booked! April 27 - May 4, 2013 - Azul Fives Sensatori Hotel

Playa Del Carmen - 5th Avenue

Also Considering (considered):

Iberostar Paraiso Beach

Restaurants in Shanghai

Le Saleya

570 Changle Lu, near Xiangyang Lu
长乐路570号，近襄阳路

Tel: 5403-6957

Open Daily - Reservations for 6:30 on Saturday the 22nd

Barbarossa Lounge - Moroccan Themed Chill Lunge in People's Park

PHONE:

6318 0220

ADDRESS:

Inside People's Park,
231 Nanjing Xi Lu,
near Huangpi Nan Lu

(Entrance between Starbucks and Shanghai Art Museum)

南京西路231号,
人民公园内
近黄陂南路

Send to Phone

AREA:

People's Square

METRO:

People's Square, 2 mins. walk

HOURS:

Daily, 11am-late

CARDS:

Local and international cards accepted

PRICE:

$ $ $ $ $ (Show Legend)

RESERVATIONS:

Not necessary

HAPPY HOUR:

Daily 5-8pm on the second floor - buy one get one free

Restaurants in China

Da Dong Roast Duck - Best Restaurant in Beijing

• Cuisines: Chinese, Dongsanhuan Beilu | Cháoyáng, Beijing, China

• (010) 6582 2892
• Tuanjiehu 团结湖
• 3 Tuanjiehu Beikou, Dongsanhuan Lu (southeast corner of Changhong Qiao), Chaoyang District
• 朝阳区团结湖北口3号楼东三环路(长虹桥东南角)
• Daily 11am-10pm
• 6582 2892/4003
• • Parking available
  • No smoking sections
  • Chinese and foreign cards accepted
  • ¥¥¥¥¥ 120-200 per person
• 
  

Mao Mao Chong (Fuzzy Caterpillar Bar and Grill) - First Night in Beijing?

• Nanluoguxiang / Gulou Dongdajie 南锣鼓巷鼓楼东大街
• 12 Banchang Hutong (east off Nanluogu Xiang), Dongcheng District
• 东城区板厂胡同12号（南锣鼓巷往东走）
• Daily 7pm-late
• 159 9264 6024

Email: maomaochongstore@yahoo.com
Tel: +86 10 64055718

12 Ban Chang Hutong, Jiao Dao Kou Nan Jie, (Near South end of Nan Luo Gu Xiang)
DongCheng District, Beijing, China, 100007

Nearest landmark: Lu Song Yuan Hotel & Jiao Dao Kou Police Station

Capitol M - Reservations Made for Monday at 3:00

• Qianmen and Dashilan'r 前门大栅栏
• 3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (southeast of Qianmen), Chongwen District
• 崇文区前门步行街2号3层
• Mon-Fri 11am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-5pm, 6-10.30pm (afternoon tea between 2.30-5pm)
• 6702 2727

Great Resource for English-language Beijing City Tips

Shanghai Dining

FU1039

0215237 1878

1039 Yuyuan Lu, near Jiangsu Lu

愚园路1039号,
近江苏路

Getting Around in China: 中国之旅

I hate the sticky, sweaty, dirty moments between luggage claim and arriving at the hotel when traveling long distances, especially international.  So, I like to have transportation, hotel, and the basics all figured out before I arrive anywhere.  That in mind, transportation arrangements for my China Voyage:

Beijing, airport to hotel:Viator. Beijing Airport Transfer
Beijing, day trip: Stretch A Leg or Viator
Qingdao, airport/hotel: China Airport Transfer
Xi'an, airport/hotel: Xi'an Airport Transfer, or Viator ($109 Roundtrip)
Shanghain, airport/hotel: Viator ($69)
Shanghai, morning trip: Viator
Shanghai, evening trip: Viator

China Public Transit Information

So, it is officially happening, or at least I've booked my tickets and requested a VISA, so momentum would leave one to believe that a visit to China is going to be happening.  -- I'm going to China, in a month!

Itinerary:
SLC - PEK (Beijing Airport Code) - 10/12 -
Bejing China Education Expo
PEK - Tsingdao (TAO) - 10/17 - 10/19
Tsingdao - Xi'an (XIY) - 10/19 - 10/21
XIY - Shanghai (PVG) - 10/21 - 10/24

http://chinatravelguide.com/shared/images/3/3e/ChinaRailwayMap.png

Final Day in Costa Rica

February 6 - 7:

To finish the trip, we'll take a two day trek to Arenal Volcano and hot springs to explore Arenal Volcano and Surrounding hot springs.

Hotel Options:
Nayara
Springs Lodge - Family Suite with private mineral bath
Peace Lodge - Master Suite with Loft and private mineral bath

Costa Rica, January 2012

Travel Dates:

Tuesday, January 31 - Tuesday, February 7
12:50 A.M. - ATL - 12:55 PM+
35,000 Frequent Flier Miles Flights Available

Interesting Links:
Visit Costa Rica
Hotel Grano de Oro - $200 per night, family suite, in the heart of San Jose
Tenoria National Park - Waterfalls, Rain Forest
Cocos Island
Hotel RIU Costa Rica

Maui Beach House Rentals

I've been checking out Maui beach house rentals for the Nicholes family vacation in 2012 and I came across these options.

Banyan Treehouse Estate

This house/complex, while not as luxurios as some of the other options, provides for multiple, seperate houses with more than ample bedrooms, kitchen space, and bathrooms - it is a collection of homes on a large estate featuring:

• Up to 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms
• Pool, outdoor dining options, hammocks
• Located in the hill country above Makawo 6 miles from the beach

____________________________________________________

Endless Sunset Estate in Lahaina

• $695 per night
• 4-bedroom, 3-bath home - 2,100 sqft
• Separate private cottage with sleeper sofa and bedroom with queen bed
• Outdoor showers, fire pit, ocean view

____________________________________________________

Casa Kai Pali

Located directly across the street from quiet and protected Baby Bay Beach and features:

• 5 Bedrooms
• 3 Bathrooms
• Outdoor shower, grill, and deck
• 2500 sq ft.

___________________________________________________

Tropical Breezes Estate

This home is located near the Lahani stables in the mountains overlooking West Maui. This house may be a little small for us, but with a nearby hotel option for a pool we could do a little mix of two worlds

• Sleeps 12 in 4 bedrooms
• 1 King, 3 Queens, 2 sleeper sofas, and 3 bathrooms
• 1500 sq ft.

____________________________________________________

Lahaina Baby Beach Hale

5 minute walk to the restaurant district in Lahaina, directly on Baby Bay reef.  

• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Bathrooms
• Jacuzzi
• 2,900 square feet
• Outdoor living/seating area
• Accommodates 12 people

Neumont University Unplug and Play Event Details

Unplug and Play Festival

Its time to “unplug” from on-line and console gaming and get outside in Utah's great outdoors, while having a blast. All Unplug and Play events will be in the evenings during the week of July 18th - July 22nd and are family friendly. Ages 12 and up for Zombie play -- things can get a little rough.

Check out Neumont's Unplug and Play Facebook event page “Unplug and Play Festival” for current information.

ZOMBIES!!!

When: Monday, July 18, 7:00 PM
Where: Murray Park, 202 E. Murray Park Avenue
Wake from your online gaming coma and join us for a Zombie themed commute to Murray Park. Meet at the west entrance of Murray Park at 7:00 pm for a Humans vs. Zombies battle royale. Dress Zombie or prepare to battle NERF-style as a human. Come solo, or put together a human NERF squadron team to battle these abominations. Neumont Zombies will board TRAX heading north to the Murray Hospital stop at 6:00 pm.

PARKING LOT MELEE

When: Tuesday, July 19. 7:00 PM
Where: Neumont University - south parking lot
Join us on Neumont University’s south parking lot for a world record attempt at the biggest “4 Square” game in history (more like 100 Square). We'll also play bike games, such as bike polo for you bike lovers.

GLADIATOR GAMES

When: Wednesday, July 20, 7:00 PM
Where: Riverfront Park, 10991 South River Front Parkway
Riverfront Park in South Jordan will be the site of the Gladiator Games. Dodge Ball, Chamball, and an Ultimate Yoga ball battle.

APP. NIGHT

When: Thursday, July 21, 7:00 PM
Where: Riverfront Park, 10991 South River Front Parkway
Bring your “smart phone” on Thursday as we start to bring technology back by using new applications on your mobile devices to explore and have a blast outside. “HALI” and “Seek and Spell” will be the focal parts of this night. Think “hide and seek” using your phone as radar.

NIGHT GAMES FINALE - “Top Secret” for now. More information to come soon.

Email: jpeppinger@neumont.edu with questions

Visiting Oahu

I never thought Oahu was a trip I'd be interested in taking, Waikikihas zero appeal to me.  But, as I started looking at the lest developed parts of the island I'm staring to get more excited about the prospect of a trip there in May.

1. Hiking to Hi'ilawe Falls in the Waimanu Valley (something else I wouldn't expect to be excited about)

Next Up:Spain

I won some airline tickets at our holiday company raffle, so I've been researching some trip options and I'm thinking Spain in Spring of 2012.

California here I come!

Thanks to Amy for putting together this upcoming trip to So Cal, and to the Tom Hughes tribe for agreeing to host our motley crew.

To Summarize Amy's Grand Plan:

Leave Thurs evening, spend the night in St. George
Arrive So Cal Friday afternoon
Saturday - Beach day?
Sunday - Legoland? I've got coupons for $8 off per person, so I'll bring those
Monday - So Cal exploring
Tuesday - drive up to Anaheim in the am, Disney day, stay at the Paradise Pier hotel
Weds - Disney Day, R and S fly home
Thurs - Disney Day, start the drive home
Friday - Back to SLC, back to life

--- Do I have it right Amy? Is Legoland Sunday or another day? I LOOOOVE San Diego, so hoping we'll have some time to get down there, but we're open to whatever.

We've booked our tickets to fly home Weds. The 23rd, and our boys are thrilled to be getting a couple extra Disney days without us, so thanks to D and K for agreeing to keep the boys for a couple extra days.

Doing Laundry

In the event any of you are planning to do laundry on our trip, here are some quick tips and info:


Venice - Santa Croce Laundromat

The Orange Self-Service Lavanderia in Santa Croce is a short walk from Venice's railroad station. It's open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day of the year. 

The laundromat has 8-kg and 18-kg washers and large dryers. Instructions are in five languages, and a wash takes 30 minutes.

The Miti café and cocktail bar is two doors down. In nice weather, you can sit at an outdoor table across from the café and keep an eye on the laundromat while your clothes get washed. A snack bar that sells pizza by the slice is also nearby.

The laundromat, is between the station and the Frari Church:

From the railroad station:

As you exit the station, turn left and walk the short distance to the Ponte dei Scalzi, the big stone bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. Go over the bridge.

Turn right after crossing the bridge and walk a few meters to the blue refreshment stand at the next corner, just before a domed church.

Turn left at the refreshment stand, walk a short block, and turn right at the Ramo de le Chioverete. You'll see the laundromat straight ahead on your left at the next corner.

Florence Laundry

Florence has many laundry options both self-service and drop off.  Ask at the hotel for a Lavenderia or Lavenderia self-service to find nearby options.

Rome Laundry

The Marriott Courtyard Central Park in Rome has laundry facilities in the hotel.

October Weather in Italy - Likelihood of Acqua Alta in Venice

We are now close enough to our grand voyage that weather predictions are available -- yeah!  Predictions range with a high of 70 and low of 50 in each of the cities and chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms, which means the Daybreak Hugheses will be bringing jackets and umbrellas but no real cold weather clothes.

Additionally, Venice has been experiencing scattered showers throughout the week and, with showers the likelihood of Acqua Alta increases.  Venice for You has a page that predicts the likelihood of flooding for any given day and I'll be watching this site over the next two weeks. Currently, Venice is experiencing intense tides which means that the water level is between 90 and 100 cm above standard sea level.  At 100 cm up to 5% of the city may be flooded for some portion of the day. If the forecast predicts that the water levels may go above 120 cm "very intense" the Venetians set out wooden planks for easier transport around the city.

Even with a chance of light showers, it looks like we should have mild weather, perfect for a trip sure to include a lot of schlepping.

Italy Packing List

This morning Rob and I were talking about what kind of reference "materials" we'll be bringing to Italy.  "Cause we're that dorky.  And I thought it would be useful to y'all to know what I'll be bringing since, as Rob put it, if I fell off the vaporetti in Venice and drowned on day one the rest of you would have a tough time continuing the vacation.  I'm sure after sending me to my appropriately Venetian watery grave that is.  Good thing swimming is my only athletic strength right, so no trying to pull a fast one with the elbow to commandeer the vacation agenda.

In addition to my general packing list, which I of course will also post, I will be bringing:

• Maps for every city
• Airline confirmations for everyone flying out of Utah
• Hotel check-in information for Venice, Florence, and Rome
• Vouchers for transport between cities
• Confirmation numbers for vaporetti tickets
• Vouchers for tickets to various museums
• Confirmation to Musica Palazzo Opera
• A rough info packet for everyone on what is officially "booked"

You should also have received a majority of the confirmations by email as well and you're welcome to bring any of those confirmations with you in the event that you're planning to explore independently and want not to be tethered to my accordion file, I will not be offended.

Venice by Night and Tips for Getting Around

Found a few useful bits for Venice, which is infamously difficult to navigate.



Also, came across this bit by Rick Steves' and really enjoyed it, thought I'd share:

Venice by Night
By Rick Steves

While Venice's splendid decay is undeniably charming by day, you must experience Venice after dark. The city is quiet at night, as tour groups stay in the cheaper hotels of Mestre on the mainland, and the masses of daytrippers return to their beach resorts and cruise ships.

Do what you must to reserve energy for evening: Take a nap, or skip a few sights during the day. When the sun goes down, a cool breeze blows in from the lagoon, the lanterns come on, the peeling plaster glows in the moonlight, and Venice resumes its position as Europe's most romantic city.Though Venice comes alive after dark, it does not party into the wee hours. By 10 p.m., restaurants are winding down; by 11 p.m., many bars are closing; and by midnight, the city is shut tight.

Evenings are made for wandering — even Venice's dark and distant back lanes are considered very safe after nightfall. Enjoy the orchestras on St. Mark's Square. Experience Vivaldi's Four Seasons in a candlelit 17th-century church. Pop into small bars for an appetizer and a drink. Lick gelato. As during the day, it's the city itself that is the star. But Venice under a cloak of darkness has an extra dose of magic and mystery — the ambience that has attracted visitors since the days of Casanova.

Here are some hints for soaking up the city after-hours.

The local way to spend an evening is to simply enjoy a slow and late dinner in a romantic canalside or piazza setting. Caffè Florian, on St. Mark's Square, is the most famous Venetian café and one of the first places in Europe to serve coffee. It has been the place for a discreet rendezvous in Venice since 1720. Today, it's most famous for its outdoor seating and orchestra (see below), but do walk inside through the richly decorated, 18th-century rooms where Casanova, Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, and Woody Allen have all paid too much for a drink.

Just being in St. Mark's Square after dark is a thrill, as dueling café orchestras entertain. Every night, enthusiastic musicians play the same songs, creating the same irresistible magic. Hang out for free behind the tables (which allows you to easily move on to the next orchestra when the musicians take a break) or spring for a seat and enjoy a fun and gorgeously set concert. If you sit a while, it can be €15-20 well spent. Dancing on the square is free (and encouraged).

For a relaxing glide under the moon, take a gondola ride. Although they cost lots more after dark, this is a traditional must for romantics. You can divide the cost — and the romance — among up to six people per boat. Note that only two seats (the ones in back) are side by side.

Fiesole, evening in the tuscan hillside above Florence

As an option during our free day, or any evening really, in Tuscany we can take a bus to Fiesole to watch the sunset over Tuscany. Fiesole can be reached by car or bus, and also on foot along narrow walled roads past numerous villas and the area where Leonardo DaVinci conducted his flying experiments.

Reaching Fiesole by bus

The ATAF Florence city bus to Fiesole is Number 7 which runs about every half an hour until almost midnight from the Santa Maria Novella train station. This 25 minute ride arrives and departs from the town square Piazza Mino de Fiesole. The late bus scheduled makes it possible to stay in Fiesole for sunset and dinner. The bus line starts at the SMN main railway station in Florence.

Piazza Mino de Fiesole

Fiesole, A Brief History 
per http://fiesole.com/

Fiesole is of Etruscan origin, and was probably founded in the 9 C BC and was then conquered by the Romans in 283 BC. Under Roman rule, it became the seat of a famous school of augurs, and every year twelve young men were sent here from Rome to study the art of divination.

During the Gothic War (536-53) Fiesole was besieged several times and in 539 Justinus, the Byzantine general, captured it and razed its fortifications. In the early Middle Ages, Fiesole was more powerful than Florence in the valley below, and many wars arose between them. In 1010 and 1025 Fiesole was sacked by the Florentines, and its leading families obliged to take up their residence in Florence.

View of Tusany from Fiesole

Venice Connected Vaporetti Tickets

I've purchased our Venice Connected Vaporetti Tickets. To validate the tickets we'll need the PNR for each reservation:

Rob & Stacy: J3V6YVL
Tom & Kris: R46ZW6I
Amy & Brad: VAKI2HF
Dean & Kathy: ZM5UYQC

To use the electronic tickets we need to validate the reservation number at a Venice Connected automatic ticket point at the Santa Lucia train station, next to our hotel. To validate the tickets we just follow the instructions on the touchscreens at the ticket machine. The tickets are then valid for 72 hours on all Vaporetti within Venice and to the outer islands.

Museum Tickets in Advance

Sorry it's taken me a while to get this finalized. Here are the tour tickets we'd want to purchase in advance so that we can skip the lines:

Venice Doge's Palace English Tour: Thursday, October 14 - 9:55 AM Tour, $25 per person
Venice Basilica San Marco Tour: Thursday, October 14 - 12:05 PM Tour, $2 per person
Florence Academy (David) Gallery: Sunday, October 17 - 8:15 AM Tour, $26 per person
Florence Uffizi Gallery: Sunday, October 17 - 5:00 PM Tour, $26 per person
Rome Vatican Museum: Thursday, October 21 - 8:00 AM Tour, $25 per person

If you want me to book tickets for you to some (or all) of these venues just send me a check, and let me know if you don't want tickets for one of these options.

Our address:

10762 S. Navarro Way
South Jordan, Utah 84095

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Accademia Gallery

The gallery is famous for its prisons and for Michelangelo’s “David”, in the late 800’s moved to a gallery appropriately suited for the statue. It also preserves paintings between the 200’s and 500’s and plaster cast collections respectively done by Lorenzo Bartolini and Luigi Pampaloni, and a collection of Russian Icons. Now you can do online booking of Accademia Gallery Tickets without queuing up! 100% guarantee by WAF experience.