Sunday, May 23, 2010

Paris - May 18 to May 21

Paris - May 18 to May 21

We want ourselves to bring a new set eyes with this trip. Even for places we have visited, I believe there is always something different one can explore or be so fortunate to doing do one's favorite things again. Reporting to girlfriends, no interesting Birkin insight.

Things we have done interesting this time in Paris are: Attend cooking class at the Michelin two -star chef, Guy Martin's kitchen, get to book Le Jules Verne (one month in advance and only by the Concierge at the Plaza Athenee) and had a classic, outstanding French dinner. Breakfast at Allen Ducas' restaurant is a feast to the eye. French elegance at its best.

Cooking Class - three course, appetizer, main course, and desert. The kitchen hygiene is spotless.





My work. Salmon and funnel appetizer. I know, it is ugly. It is not easy as it seems.



At the 54th floor of Eiffel Tower. The Le Jules Verne Restaurant. The name is after the author who wrote "Around the World in 80 Days". How appropriate!








Food here is not fancy. Presentation is basic. The flavor... . We were laughing and eating at the same time. It was magical. The head waiter says, it is just French cooking, nothing else. Even desert was just superior to the "rest". We were told, 9 pastry chefs in the kitchen. Here are lobster salad and pigeon.






Plaza Athenee. Looking out of our room.





Welcome chocolate symbolizing our fly around the world journey.




Room.







The Poilane bread. I read once that they make the "Best" bread in the world. After 20 Euros of taxi ride and 20 for the bread. It is good but not "that good". Maybe, we waited too long to eat it.






















































































































































































































































































































































































Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Inverness - Scotland

First thing taxi driver told us: Inver means "the Mouth of", therefore, Inverness is the Mouth of river Ness. Here is where river Ness meets the ocean. No question, Scotland is very very green. It rains a lot here but fortunately, for the 3 days stay, no rain at all and pilots get some needed rest.

Cute Hotel Bunchrew.






One of the castles.


Lake Ness (in Scotish, Loch Ness). Looking for the Water Monster.



Water Monster coming to us....




Town of Inverness. By the way, no Pringle of Scotland here. Where is it?










River Ness.





River Ness. Water very clear. Great water here. Makes the best Ice Tea and Whisky, of course.














Country road.

















In the Hotel yard.











ICELAND - May 13-14

Cheers! From Iceland. Pre-dinner drink.
Iceland in rain.
A quick stay over at Iceland. In order to avoid the Vocano ash, we shortened the stay at Iceland to just one night. For the past few days, a lot of flying and no real break. Pilots are tired. Cute town though.