So. I'll likely soon be able to get married to my non-existent lover in Portugal. And in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Norway.
But not in New York, New Jersey or California.
Wow. Weren't we the country that once rushed into Europe carrying the banner of freedom, liberty and justice for all?
It looks like the student has far surpassed the teacher. Thanks Western Europe for helping show us the way.
Peter Eisenman's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (in the heart of Berlin) is one of the most moving pieces of memorial art I've ever seen. Its stark beauty and massive scale manage to convey the enormity of the loss and the terror of the time in ways that take your breath away.
Last week it was reported that EasyJet ran a fashion spread in its "Traveller" magazine ... shot among the concrete slabs of the memorial. All I can say is "Oy Vey." What were these people thinking? Pure craziness, from photographer to publisher. Here's the story, from the Jerusalem Post.
In 1997 I went to Russia for the first (and only, so far) time. It was a fantastic and memorable trip. The country was in its early stages of post-Communist transformation, and the many stages of visible history were fascinating to behold. Halfway through, we flew from St. Petersburg to Moscow on former state carrier Aeroflot. Here I am, just prior to boarding. The interior of the plane was indeed worthy of a good knuckle-bite, but we made it through the trip safely. A fun adventure. Today's New York Times reports that Aeroflot will soon complete its makeover with a 100% US/EU-made fleet. So long Tupolev. Sayonnara Ilyushin. And here's hoping the reprehensible 757 joins you in the junk pile soon.
Smack in the middle of what has been an amazing and productive work trip to London, I got to have ... a weekend! The highest of highlights was disco roller skating on Friday night at a club in Vauxhaul. But there have been many others, including the Tate Modern, The London Eye, and the fantastic energy on the streets. With the pound lower than 1.5 to the dollar, I've even managed some shopping success. Wait till you see my smoking hot new Adidas. Some images ...
I’m in London for a week of meetings. My notes so far.
Jolly Old England. I’m glad I came.
Image: MSNBC, from this summer.
... in the 12 years since I last visited London. The Eye is just one of the amazing ways London has evolved into a 21st Century city. Special thanks to my hosts Cedric and Preston for bringing me up to date in my short 36 hour visit.
Next up: Nairobi.
... to stay in this hotel. It was designed by Frank Gehry. It's part of Starwood's Luxury Collection. It's in Elciego, in the Spanish Basque country. And it's called the Hôtel Marques de Riscal.
A recent article in Business Week notes that London is experiencing its latest moment as one of the most happening places on earth. But at $2 to the pound, it's also one of the most expensive. I love London. And I want to visit soon, even for just a long weekend. I even have some old friends who live there. But I don't want to obligate myself to them while visiting.
Which leads to today's question: What is a poor American craving a London fix to do? Or more specifically, have you stayed at or heard about a lodging establishment in London – basic or better – that won't break the bank? As a benchmark, let's say no more than $350 a night? Do tell. Photo credit.
If you are traveling to Europe this summer, you should become familiar with the new low-cost airlines that can get you from A to Zed cheap(er) than ever.
These carriers have sprouted up like mushrooms lately, and they make it easier – if a tad less storied – to travel around the continent.
The best source I've found for an overview of your options is this article on Wikitravel.
This is me in Santorini in 2004. My hair was much shorter then. The image of Dolly Parton on my T-shirt was less faded then. And there was definitely not a 1200-passenger Sea Diamond cruise ship freshly sunk off the island then.
If you didn't see the video footage of the ship's final moments before going under, check it out here. It's really freaky.
My inspiration for this post is as follows: My host on this particular trip to Greece (who I will not name) informed me yesterday that I need to get out and travel more if I want to continue writing a blog about travel. He suggested Upright & Stowed has become too much about NYC and too much about me.
Actually, it's kind of true. But since I'm too busy starting a new business to do much good travel, I'm doing my best to inspire with stories and musings that I hope will inspire you to travel. I'm not holding a grudge against the unmentionable person who told me to Hit the Road. Because that very same person turned me on to AAdvantage Shopping, which lets me earn airline miles while I sit on my ass shopping at home! Thanks for the tip, B---y.
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