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.

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.

Look~ How happy Jeffrey is when he found the fuel he needed

Look ~ How happy Jeffrey is when he found the fuel he needed at Kuujjuaq.