Republic of Malta

May 26 to May 28

Republci of Malta

Malta is the southernmost point of Europe. Just north of Africa. South of Sicily. We were explained that the country was the homes of knights of St. John’s. It has a significant historical position for the war between Ottoman and Christians. Very flat island country. Rich in history and seems to have a good harbor for large yachts. Restaurants and food are excellent. Though a short technical 2 day stop but still enjoyable.

Very flat small island country.


Many cathedrals, historical buildings over 1500 years old.

Boat ride around the harbor.

Outside of Xara Palace which is now an Relais and Chateaux hotel and restaurant. Had a great meal here.

Really a cute place to visit.

View from our room.

Gibraltar Rock and Ibiza Island, Spain

We stopped by Gibraltar for lunch on our way to Ibiza, Spain. I did not know that Gibraltar is a nation now. We had to go through customs. Flying in gave us a nice view of the rock. After out of custom, got a taxi to take the 6 minutes cable ride to top of the rock where local apes welcome us. (Actually, they are known for taking food or shinning items from people, espcially woman and children. Yes, they did. ). I like this picture with the airplane, the rock and Jeffrey. Can be the cover of our photo book.

Ibiza is a vacation spot for Spainsh people, I guess. Thierry, the owner of the tour company has a property here. His parents has been taking them to Ibiza for vacation since the early 70's. Water, the old town, the Spainish food, it has everything. Good shopping for beach dresses and leather goods.

Flyying in.

On top of the rock.

Ibiza, Spain. A restaruant on the beach serving Paella.

Pilots on the boat.

Renee and one of the new friends. Allison.

Walking on sanded bridge in between islands.

Ibiza old town and three tired shoppers.

Old town Ibiza.

Marrakech, Morroco

Marrakech, Morroco

First, see some new followers, Welcome, Wei and Yee-Ping, CH, and Michelle.

We have not heard of Marrakech until this trip. Casablanca usually comes to mind when talk about Morrooco. Marrakech is the third largest city in Morroco and has been the capital of the nation many times in the history. Has been in many Hollywood movies such as “ The Mummy”, …. . Hotel Le Mamounia, is the top choice. Beautiful indeed, and new. Every room is decorated Morrocan style. Food served here is out of this world which can be a problem.

Yves Saint Laurent lived here before he died. The garden of his house now is open to public. We paid a short visit.

Somehow, somewhere, during our shopping at the “Suk” (local market)) which is so big we cannot find our way out without the tour guide., I have got a new Arabian husband and his name is "Laurance". Jeffrey has amused all the staff in the Hotel. Made friends with all the waiters in the restaurant. More importantly, he danced with belly dancers “Morrocan “ style. Every local who looked at him had a grim on their face but we don’t know why. I think, it is nice to amuse the local people once in a while.

Hotel La Mamounia

An old property of the Marrakech governer.

Marrakech street.

Snake Charmer

The suk. Too bad no chance to really buy something. There are many wook works with intricate inlay design. Can be good to make a Mah Jion table.

Now, Jeffrey and Thierry (owner of the Aviation Tour company), trying to scare local people.

Entrance of a Morroco restaurant.

Table setting for before dinner drinks. Everything is beautiful.

Look at Jeffrey's face.

Thierry proposed to hold hands with Jeffrey when wearing the robe as Morrocan men do. I was laughing of control.

Dinner table with Aournd the World good wishes.

Belly dancers.

We are off to Ibiza, Spain tomorrow.

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.