Travel Gifts

Merry Christmas!

Want to know what to get jet setter in your life.  OK, they may not be a jet setter but if they travel they'll appreciate one of these gifts for Christmas. 

The Silk Travel Blanket:
Why we love it? It's yours and yours alone.  It hasn't been used by thousands of other people.  We also like the weight of it and the foot pocket.  Use it on the plane, in the car or at the hotel, especially if you are sensitive to detergents.
Cost: $42.85

Magellan's Smart Lite Travel Alarm Clock:
Why we love it? It's small, has a back light that turns on automatically, large LCD display and an ascending volume.
Cost: $20.85

Balanzza Mini Luggage Scale:
Why we love it? It's compact and you get to weigh your luggage before the airline does.  No surprises.  It also has an ergonomic handle, displays in pounds and kilogram and will store your bags weight in memory so you can read it after you put it down.
Cost: $25.00

Folding Noise Canceling Headphones:
Why we love it?  NOISE CANCELING! Well that's the number one reason.  It drowns out the surrounding noise so all you hear is your music or movie.  We also like that it's folding so it packs nicely.
Cost: $69.95

Magellan's On Tour Under seat Rolling Tote:
Why we love it? It's lightweight, fits under the seat, made of rough ballistic nylon, has lots of pockets inside and out, and did I say fits under the seat!  Had to say it again.
Cost: $99.00

Smart Packing DVD:
Why we love it?  We travel a lot and see tons of people with too much luggage.  Here's a tutorial on packing.  It will save you time, money and back pain!
Cost: 14.85

Magellan's Aluminum Travel Wallet
Why we love it? Beside the fact that it looks nice and is sleek, it has RFID protection in the design.
Cost: $29.50

Magellan's EveryWear Women's Hipster Travel Brief:
Why we love it? They're designed for travel, won't bunch, very soft, stretchy and they look nice.
Cost: 14.50

Travel Combination Converter/Adaptor Plugs:
Why we love it? It automatically switches itself based on the appliance combining the function of a transformer converter and the converter for heating appliances.
Cost: $48.85

Magellan's Luxe Inflatable Seat Cushion:
Why we love it? It has Motion Response which means it moves when you do.  It also looks nice and can be used on planes, trains, ships, cars or stadiums.
Cost: $29.85

Women's Voyager Convertible Travel Jacket:
Why we love it? It fits a women's shape! Can you believe what you can put in it's multi-pockets? Umbrella, iPad, phone, guidebook, maps, compact camera, water just to name a few.  The sleeves zip off and it's water-resistant and machine washable.
Cost: $129.50

Mobile Power Flex DC to AC Adaptor:
Why we love it? It gives your car an electrical outlet.  It converts your cigarette lighter into a wall-style AC outlet.  It has a 300 watts of surge capacity protection and automatic shut down to protect your cars battery.
Cost: $34.85

The above items are all found at www.magellans.com.

Please note that all of these items were selected by The Traveling Eye team because these are the items we love and use!

Other items we love

Pocket Purifier:
Why we love?  We're not germophobes but we recognize that being around alot of people in areas that are not always cleaned thoroughly, impurities can spread and make you sick.  The Pocket Purifier is a handheld germ killing UV light.  It's compact and can be used on just about any thing.  One thing I use it for is the back seat tray on planes.
Find it at www.purelyproducts.com/pocket-purifier

Arm Pocket Sport 20:
Why we love it?  it fits on your arm, is moisture resistant and holds touch screen devices, ID, credit cards and keys.  Great for working out or on a day of touring to keep your items from harms way.
Find it at www.armpocket.com

ETA Neck Pillow & Blanket:
Why we love it?  If you've ever listened to our show you have heard me on numerous occasions talk about how much I love the traveling neck pillow and having my own blanket.
Find it at www.etatravelgear.com

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas from The Traveling Eye!

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING...ROME

The booties

These boots are made for walking, the streets of Italy that is.  I was concerned with my recent trip to Italy because I knew that touring Italy means walking.  While I normally love walking a city, my concern was that this summer I broke my big toe and have been slowly making my way into shoes.  I have tennis shoes (for working out only) and high heels.  So, I purchased a pair of booties just prior to my departure and hoped they would support me through my days in Rome, the Tuscany Region and Venice. You see, in Italy you don't see many tennis shoes.  It's all about fashion. The average person is fashionable but their old sidewalks and uneven pavement are murder on heels.  Booties don't fail me now.

I actually wore my booties on the plane.  They have one zipper at the heel which makes them easy to take off and put back on.  They have a one inch heel and are of the softest leather.  Boy, were they comfortable even after my feet swelled a bit. Can't seem to lay off the wine!

Colosseum

Trevi Fountain

Bonnie and me walking down Spanish Steps

We began touring right after arriving with only enough time to check into our room and freshen up. First stop, Rome and a walk around the outside of the Colosseum. What was evident to me after listening to our guide is that my history of the Colosseum was derived from movies.  While Hollywood stays pretty close to the true history, some creative embellishment has been implemented.  For example; As told by our guide, the symbol for "to the death" is not a thumbs down. The gesture is made with the thumb to side with a swipe across the throat. Another misrepresentation pointed out by our guide is that masses of Christians were persecuted at the Colosseum. The Colosseum was the arena for wild animals brought in from Africa battling during the day and gladiators battling in the afternoon.  How are the feet? So far so good! Later that afternoon the Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps.  Absolutely love the energy at both.  Filled with crowds of tourists from all over the world taking photos and just hanging around along with locals busying about.  Trevi Fountain, Fontana di Trevi,  is a beautiful site and half the fun is jockeying for position to throw your coin in, in hopes of a return on your investment of returning to Rome, a tradition of legend that doesn't seem to be lost on anyone.  It's a beautiful piece of art that stands out among the crowds and chaos. The fountain was completed in 1762 by Nicoli Salvi, who was commissioned by Pope Clement XII. It took 30 years to be built. The Spanish Steps or Piazza de Spanga ascends to the French Church Trinita dei Monti.  At the bottom of the steps is Fontana della Barcaccia, the fountain, shaped like a small boat. The 137 steps in three tiers begs a climb to the top for a fantastic view of Rome and the square below. So far my booties are still comfortable. Suggestion:  Do your reading on the history ahead of time and do these two sites on your own so you can take your time and soak up the scenery. Side bar: On our walk from The Trevi Fountain to The Spanish Steps we window shopped.  Store window after store window wowed us with the most stylish shoes and hand bags.  The highest heels I've ever seen and the sharpest styles. Red ones, black ones, ones covered in crystals, feathers or fringes.  The most outlandish...a pig bag.  A large bag shaped like a pig covered in crystals!

After our day of touring the hunger pangs started knocking.  We gathered the group and headed to Renovatio La Soffitta for our welcome dinner. La Soffitta is a small restaurant, as most are in Italy and is located near The Vatican.  When in Rome, well you know the rest...we had a traditional five course meal starting with Antipasti (dried meat selection, cheese selection, olives and marinated vegetables).  First Course or Primi Piatti or Pasta course; Rigatoni alla Marinara and meat lasagna.  Third course insalata or salad.  Main course or Secondi Piatti, Saltimbocca alla Roma, a thin piece of veal with a lemon sauce. Fifth course DESSERT.  We had a selection of different Italian desserts, a lemon cheese cake made with ricotta cheese, of course tiramisu and a variety of tarts Italian donuts, one was soaked in Ameretto that was like taking a shot.

Nothing to do with my booties, my feet needed a well deserved break and now with my belly full, my body needed a good stretch and a good night sleep.

Shot from the Sistine Chapel

I've been to Rome a couple of times and had never gone to The Vatican Museums.  Actually, I never had an interest in going.  I know what you're thinking.  Who's not interested in The Vatican.  I can't tell you why, I just wasn't.  Needless to say, I am so very glad I did.  It was fa-bu-lous!  The architecture, the paintings, the tapestries, the history, the serenity.  I could go on and on.  There are currently 13 Vatican Museums that make up the complex housing works of art through the centuries with different Popes adding to the collection over time.  It was founded by Popes Clement XIV and Pius VI. But of course the most famous are the Sistine Chapel and the works of Michelangelo.  There's a photo I took and I'm not sure it captured what my natural eye lens saw but it's of a group of cardinals in a corridor.  This sounds simple enough but the lighting and placement spoke volumes.  We were then in the midst of a parade of cardinals with varied styles, different head coverings and swagger, yes swagger. One had on a fedora and a top coat draped over his shoulders.  They were of different ethnicity from different parts of the world.  What a treat!  From the beginning of tour outside of the cathedral to the end finishing with Swiss Guards colorfully clad, I was enthralled!  The Vatican City is a must see.  By the way...booties and feet still feeling fine!  Suggestion:  Go on a guided tour so you'll know what your seeing and to skip the long lines.

Where we stayed:  Hotel Giulio Cesare or as we would say Julius Cesar.  This is a four star property located at Via degli Scipioni and near St. Peters Basilica.  If you go to the roof top at night you get a beautiful view of the Basilica.  This is a 19th century partician villa that has every bit of Italian charm.

South Africa's Taste Makers Series

Last Wednesday, I attended the first of South Africa Tourism's Taste Makers Series in New York at Marcus Samuelsson's restaurant Red Rooster in Harlem.  The Taste Makers Series is a marketing campaign to reconnect African Americans to South Africa.

There is such a kinship with African Americans and Black South Africans.  Starting from the parallels of segregation and apartheid and continuing with cultures that are very similar from signature music that's born out of experiences, soulful foods and gatherings that are unique to Juke Joints in America and Shebeens in South Africa.

Wednesdays event was elegantly casual.  The food Red Rooster presented, which is indicative of his menu,  was a fusion of African American and African cuisine like Fried Chicken with a spicy curry sauce, bread bowls filled with pulled curried chicken and spicy shrimp.  We were serenaded by Lorraine Klaasen with soulful South African Jazz and given inviting presentations from industry experts and frequent travelers to South Africa, one of which was yours truly.  The presenters painted a picture of the many wonderful experiences you can have in South Africa from cultural to the most adventurous.  South Africa is truly a place where you "Leave Ordinary Behind"

I'd like to thank Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism, USA and her team in New York for putting together such a wonderful event and including Advantage International in their Taste Makers Series.

Advantage International has two South Africa trips coming up in February and March 2012.  For more information on either trip visit our website

MLK, Jr. Memorial

Hey there,

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to be in Washington, DC for the MLK, Jr. Memorial and Dedication.  As you know the weekends events including the dedication were canceled due to Hurricane Irene, that had a direct path up the the east coast of the United States.  Because of the uncertainty of the velocity of the hurricane/storm, the events organizers with consultation from the city and FEMA, thought it would be in the best interest and safety of all to make the decision to cancel the weekends activities.  While I initially thought the decision was made too early, our friend, Alpha Phi Alpha alumni and Greats Lakes Zone Director Multicultural Markets at State Farm Insurance, advised us that one of the main reasons the decision was made early was because of the number of travelers coming for the day by bus.  It could have been disastrous to have people stranded on a bus and without shelter. Fortunately for those who were already in town, the Memorial was opened earlier in the week and stayed open until noon Saturday.  This gave us the opportunity to see the Memorial. As they are saying, there is a King among Presidents on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The MLK, Jr. Memorial is not only the first person of color represented on the Mall but is the only non-president on the Mall. This makes for a Monumental occasion!!!

We arrived on Thursday afternoon along with many others who flew in on American Airlines.  We saw so many Alpha's at the airport and on the plane with us.  The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, one of the major contributors, had their own list of activities and events for the Memorial and Dedication weekend.  The men I met along the way, of all ages, were so proud to be a part of this Memorial.  I got a glimpse of the Alpha's at their private event and visit to the Memorial.  All the men were dressed in black and gold, the fraternity's colors, marching toward King's statue.  Thursday evening the announcement was made that there would be cancellations of the some of the events. 

Craig, Bonnie, Ja'Vonne, Wayne

Bonnie, Craig Gilmore, Ja'Vonne

Denyce Graves & Ja'Vonne Harley (Me)

So, Friday we made a concerted effort to see and do as much as we could before Irene showed up in Washington, DC.  Friday, actually turned out to be a beautiful day.  It rained in the morning and quickly gave way to a partly cloudy day.  We started our day with our radio broadcast from the Washington Convention Center.  The convention center was to be the venue of many of the events throughout the weekend.  On this day they still had the exhibition hall open, although it would close earlier than scheduled, the ladies of legend luncheon and the radio broadcasts.  We then did some shopping around the exhibit hall.  The MLK Memorial Book Store was there and where we spent most of our money and time.  We purchased commemorative items and I got a piece of the granite stone that was used to carve the Mountain of Despair that King protrudes from.  There were 5,000 pieces and I got one of them.  After our shopping spree we headed over to Constitution hall to interview and visit with one of my high school friends and famous mezzo soprano, Denyce Graves, who was also performing later that night.  We were there during the rehearsals of the APA's Theatrical & Musical Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We were able to catch Denyce in her dressing room.  Now, we're off to the main attraction...The MLK, Jr. Memorial!!! Not know where to enter, I looked at the map from the event schedule and directions from different Metro stations.  They all directed us to 15th Street.  This was a little confusing since I saw the entry portal on 17th Street.  Anyway Bonnie and I walked down 18th Street and headed towards 15th Street, but then I questioned this decision and headed back up Independence Avenue to 17th Street before we had gone too far and there it was.  We saw two pillars of stone and lots of people coming and going.  The two pillars of stone are the entry portal.  As you walk through the entry portal you see one 30 foot stone, to the left and right is a wall of quotes (The Inscription Wall) that bends around the Memorial like arms stretched out wide.  On each side of the stone is a quote "Out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope" and "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness". Then you see King, coming out of the stone or mountain with arms crossed and facing the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial.  It's a peaceful area that has a feeling of reflection.  There are places to sit and visitors did just that as they chatted with one another.  I can only imagine what it will look like when the cherry trees are in full bloom and at night when the Memorial is illuminated.

I'm definitely going back in the spring when the trees are in bloom!!!!  Maybe you'll join me!

Until our next journey together.
Ja'Vonne Harley, Co-Host - The Traveling Eye, Owner - Advantage International, LLC

CHICAGO CityPASS

Ja’Vonne and I recently became tourist in our own city by using the Chicago CityPASS.   With the CityPASS we were able to visit five out of seven major Chicago attractions at a much discounted price.  The CityPASS also put us on the fast track to the head of lines and entrance to some exhibits. 

We had a great time going from attraction to attraction.  I think our favorite was the Skywalk on the Skydeck of Willis Tower.  I was a little hesitant to step out on the Skywalk high above the streets of Chicago but Ja’Vonne convinced me to go for it and it was awesome. 

We found that the CityPASS was a great and economical way to enjoy the city. 

The Traveling Eye and Chicago CityPASS would like to give you a chance to win the CityPASS experience.  One person has the chance to win 2 City Passes by easily answering 3 questions.  You MUST email your answers to thetravelingeye@aol.com and you must get all 3 questions correct.  We will announce the winner on our Friday, August 12^th show on 1690WVON between 11AM and Noon. You may also listen to The Traveling Eye by going to www.wvon.com or watch us live in studio at www.thetravelingeye.com.  Are you ready?

1.    1. Before becoming what it is today, this CityPASS destination was the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exhibition. It was also, at one time, the Field Museum of Natural History.

2.    2. This attraction was located on the corner of State and Monroe before moving to its present location. It now holds more than 5000 years of human expression from cultures around the world.

3.    3. From this attraction one can see 360 degree views of the city, up to 4 states, and over 80 miles.

Answer these three questions and you can win 2 City Passes to visit 5 of Chicago’s great attractions. You must email your answers to thetravelingeye@aol.com.  We will announce the winner on Friday, August 12, 2011, during our show on WVON between 11AM to Noon Central time.

Good Luck and remember to keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie

SHAWNEE, ILLINOIS BEST KEPT SECRET

Hi Everyone!

Ja'Vonne, Howard, and I just got back from the Southernmost Illinois Shawnee area. I can hear you asking yourself, "Where?"  Most of you know where Carbondale is, Shawnee begins about 17 miles south of Carbondale and is some of the most beautiful country you will find. There is also a Wine Trail to explore.

We decided to take a road trip and left Chicago around 6 AM heading south on I-57. We were scheduled (according to our GPS system) to arrive at our lodging, The Water Valley Inn, at 10:20 AM.  Everything was cool and smooth until we got to the Shawnee area.  I will only say, our GPS lady wasn't on her best game and we ending going in circles.  However, there are some great people that live in the area and after a few directions we made it to our destination.

Innkeeper Kim, Ja'Vonne and Howard

The Water Vally Inn (www.1watervalleyinn.com) is a bed and breakfast that is in a beautiful five bedroom farmhouse.  It is the perfect place for a large family or group of friends to stay when visiting the area, exploring the Wine Trail, or planning a golf or fishing trip.  When we arrived, innkeeper, Kim Aldridge greeted us and took us on a tour of this historic home that has been in her husbands family for almost a century. The kitchen comes fully stocked with anything you may need to make breakfast or have a snack.  The Water Valley Inn is very welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing. We enjoyed our stay there.

Carol Hoffman from the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau was our guide and had prepared a itinerary for us that would give us a great feeling of the spirit of the Shawnee area and community.

The Bald Knob Cross

A top Bald Knob Mountain

We started off at the Bald Knob Cross (www.baldknobcross.com) which is at the top of Bald Knob Mountain.Yes, there are mountains in Illinois. Why a cross on the top of a mountain?  It's a long story that you should go to the web site to read but in a nut shell, in 1937, Wayman Presley and an minister friend came up with the idea to hold an Easter service on the top of the mountain that would include all Christian denominations and other religious groups. That first year 250 people showed up.  The service has grown over the years and continues today.  We found the site to be peaceful and beautiful. From the top of the mountain you can see the Ohio River, Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois.  We even saw a red tailed hawk fly right in front of our car.  It was awesome.

Ja'Vonne taking the hike

Pomona Natural Bridge

We then went to the Pomona Natural Bridge which is surround by the Shawnee National Forest. We took a short hiking trail that led around to the natural bridge which spans 90 feet. It is just there, made by nature withstanding time. Ja'Vonne walked over the bridge and made the short quarter of a mile hike back to where Howard and I were taking pictures and filming. I could envision Native Americans of the Shawnee nation walking across this bridge through the forest centuries ago.

Anthill Gallery & Other Curiosities in Cobden

There is more to do in the Shawnee area then commune with nature.  There are antique stores and museums, golfing, fishing, artist communities and shops, and festivals, just to name a few things.

Bonnie, Betty, Ja'Vonne

Southernmost Illinois is known for having fruit orchards. We stopped by Rendleman Orchards' Farm Market and met Betty who took us through the process of how the fruit is picked, sorted, handled, and packaged to be shipped to stores and sold in the Rendleman Market. This is peach season and in the fall the peaches will be replaced with apples, all grown and packaged by Illinois Farmers.

We then went to the Giant City State Park to have dinner at the Giant City State Park Lodge.  The Park and Lodge is located in another section of forest in Shawnee.  There is horse back riding, camping, cabins, and hiking trails.  If you decide to have dinner at the lodge, I suggest you get the all you can eat fried chicken dinner.  Howard (Video Twist Productions) gives it 4 winks of the Eye!


One of the main attractions of the Shawnee area is the Shawnee Wine Trail.  I will tell you all about that in my next post.

Until next time, keep you EYE to the sky!

Bonnie











 

THE ROYAL FOOD EXPERIENCE

Hi Everyone!

Ja'Vonne and I are self proclaimed "Foodies" so one way we determine a great destination is through the gastronomical experience. We were not disappointed at The ROYAL in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. Known as giving the "Gourmet All-Inclusive Experience" The ROYAL takes it to another level when it comes to dining. The resort offers everything from tapas and sushi, to rack of lamb and escargots, to dining on the beach, plus 24-hour room service.  No matter where you decide to eat on property, everything looks, smells and tastes delicious.

Lamb at Maria Marie

All of my meals were wonderful so I will only point out a few of my many favorite dishes.  Our first night at The ROYAL in Playa Del Carmen we ate at beautiful Maria Marie restaurant. We were served; Sweet and Sour Salad, Shrimp Bisquet, Lamb Chops Charcutiere, and Chocolate Fondant for dessert. The meal was paired with Chardonnay, Monte Xanic, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico (that's wine).  Everything was served nicely and with a little flair.  I am one that isn't fond of Lamb but I have always been taught that you honor your host by eating what they have prepared.  I am so glad my momma taught me well.  This lamb was the best I have ever eaten. Usually there is a gamey taste to lamb, not this one.  It was marinated with Dijon mustard and was so tender and delicious. (my mouth is watering as I speak).

Steak from the Mediterranean, Yum

Shrimp from Pelicanos

Mediterranean

Another of my favorite restaurants was Tapas. It was great for lunch or dinner.  The food was so fresh and tasty.  The best steak I have ever tasted was at the Mediterranean restaurant. If you have a love of Asian Cuisine the Asiana - Oriental Gourmet Restaurant is the place for you and if the ocean is what you would like to see while you dine, Pelicanos - Ocean View Restaurant is a great place to start or finish your day.  There are other great restaurants and bars on property at The ROYAL that I could tell you about but then you wouldn't have anything to discover on your own.  

Now that I have made myself hungry talking about the wonderful restaurants and delicious food that you will experience The ROYAL Gourmet All-Inclusive Resorts, I am going to head off and pop some popcorn. (Nope, I can't cook at all.)

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie

THE ROYAL SPA TREATMENT

Hi Everyone!

While visiting The ROYAL Resort in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, Mexico, I had a chance to spend some quality time in the Spa at both locations. SPAzul says that it is committed to helping you find your inner harmony within the universe.  They take this to heart.  From the entrance to the spa, to the treatments, to the professionals that administer the treatments, SPAzul treats your total being.

  Ja'Vonne and I decided to take one of our spa treatments outdoors on the beach.  At first I didn't think I would be able to relax with all the activity around me.  The minute I got on the table and Christina began working on my neck, shoulders and back, I felt the stress leave and relaxation take it's place. The sound of the waves, the music in the distance, the gentle breeze off of the ocean and the skillful hands working their magic, I was off in a different world.  50 minutes went by quickly but I felt like a different person when I got off the table. 

My body was on point, now it was time to take care of the spirit.  SPAzul incorporates the Maya-inspired Saas Spa total health and well-being concept to their menu. The "whole" being is treated not just the individual parts. The body, mind and spirit are reached in equal measure.  It was time for me to experience Temazcal: An Ancient Mayan Ritual of Purification, Detoxification and Rebirth.  You may know this as a sweat lodge or steam house. A Shaman guides you through your journey through conversation, listening, and revealing from your inner most self.  I won't go into my experience with you because it is my experience.  I will say I left the hut with a new understanding of me.

After any treatment that you have at SPAzul you must take time to relax in the sauna, hot tub or steam room. Lie on one of the relaxing chairs and enjoy the full experience your spa experience.

SPAzul is one of my favorite spas.  When you visit The ROYAL in Playa Del Carmen or Cancun you owe it to yourself to set aside time to ""indulge your senses, engage your spirit, and savor the surprises."

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie