Mini-Sabbatical

When we need rest or time off we think we can only accomplish that with a lot of time or money. The result of this thinking is it never happens! Using the same principle as napping a mini sabbatical or just one day off can give you much needed rejuvenation. Choose a place within driving distance to cut the time, cost and stress of travel. Downtown areas are great because hotels that normally cater to business travelers during the week often have great weekend specials & they have all the creature comforts at your disposal. Another choice could be a local bed and breakfast. They’re small, charming and are usually in quiet neighborhoods. Find a nice quiet place in your town to spend some time, like a botanical garden or labryinth. Remember the purpose of your mini-sabbatical and cut off the cell phone, leave the laptop behind and put out the DO NOT DISTURB message. No matter how you spend it a mini sabbatical can give you that much needed boost or rest you’re looking for.


Ja'Vonne Harley
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye

FASTEN THAT SEAT BELT!

I know it's uncomfortable but it is extremely important to follow the captains announcement and fasten your seatbelt when requested or better yet, keep your seat belt fastened at all times when you are seated, especially when you are sleeping.  Turbulence casued by what's called (CAT) Clear Air Turbulence, air movement that usually cannot be seen, can happen on a clear day and without warning, varies from mild to extreme intensities including an air pocket causing the aircraft to drop hundreds of feet and can make for a bumpy if not scary ride.  CAT is created by a number of different conditions like air moving at different speeds meeting or different air temperatures meeting.    In flight turbulence is the leading cause of passenger and crew injuries and one thing to remember is that most of those who are injured were not wearing their seatbelt.

EYE Ate My Way Through Montreal!

Hi Everyone!

Recently The Traveling Eye visited Montreal, Canada.  Ja'Vonne and I had a wonderful time getting to know this beautiful city.

Those of you who have followed our travels know that we are big time "foodies".  My theory is, “To get to know the real spirit of a city, you must taste the cuisine."  Okay, it may be a weak theory but it is my excuse to eat my way through a city without guilt.

Montreal did not disappoint in the art of cuisine.

Bonnie, Chef Jean-Francois Plante, Ja'Vonne

Our first taste of Montreal began within our hotel, Le St-Martin Hotel Particulier Downtown located at 980 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West. Celebrated Chef Jean-Francois Plante's The Bistro L'Aromate is the hotel's signature restaurant and is positioned on the main floor of the hotel with additional dining on the Mezzanine.  The decor gave me a feeling of fine dining in a very relaxed atmosphere.  Diners are not rushed through their meal so one can sit and enjoy the flavors of the food, wine and conversation, leaving the dining experience fulfilled.  The dishes were wonderful and seasoned well.  From the appetizer,(I had the scallops which were absolutely delicious), to the entree,

Salmon with Mango Salsa

(my salmon with the mango salsa was divine), to the dessert,(it was so good and decadent),   my mouth was singing the happy song from all the wonderful flavors that were dancing on my tongue.  Breakfast the next morning was just as good.  Our visit to Montreal had started off on the right foot.

When friends found out we were going to be visiting Montreal we were told we must try the dish of Montreal called Poutine. Poutine was created in 1957 in Quebec and means "Mushy Mess" and I would have to agree that it is a great description.  The dish is a plate of fresh French cut potato's, deep fried in lard with cheddar cheese curds sprinkled on top and covered with a brown gravy.  It sounds like and probably is a heart attack on a plate but it is so good.  We experienced this Canadian "Soul Food" at an restaurant called La Banquise. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has a menu of 22 different types of Poutine.  Howard, our videographer from Video Twist Productions,

Elvis Poutine

and I had the Elvis Poutine which has ground beef, mushrooms and green peppers added to the fries, cheese curds and gravy.  Ja'Vonne had the Bacon Poutine. Everything is good with bacon. Even though every thing tasted great, Ja'Vonne and I couldn't get through half of our plate, however, Howard had no problem at all being a member of the "clean plate club".  The price for the dish is a reasonable $5.00 for a small plate and $8.00 for a large.  After a long night of partying in Montreal, La Banquise is the place to go to "soak up" some of that fun.

Ja'Vonne and I love fresh produce markets and there is an awesome one in Montreal.  To be honest I am not sure if Premiere Moisson Boulangerie is the name of the market or a store within but either way it is a great place to be.  The smell of fresh bread whiffs from the bakery, while you pass stalls and stalls of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables.  You will even find cheese curds in case you want to make your own poutine. We stopped at one stall where a woman was making maple pops from fresh maple syrup.  She heats the syrup and then pours strips of syrup on ice. She then takes a Popsicle stick and rolls the maple syrup on it.  It is so good but the key is to put the whole syrup pop in your mouth or it will get all over you. Just ask Ja'Vonne. 

Ja'Vonne and the Maple Pop

Making Maple Pops

 When we landed in Montreal our driver told us we could not leave the city without trying a Smoked Meat Sandwich from Schwartz's. It took us a few days but we finally made it over to Schwartz's to see what was so great about this sandwich.  When we pulled up to the building there was a line outside the door and down the block.  It is a small Deli with sit down seating but the line moves fast and it is really worth the wait.  A smoked meat sandwich is like our corned beef sandwich only sliced a little thicker.  We each ordered a sandwich, pickles and a plate of fries.  I don't know what it is about fries in Montreal but they are so tasty.  The sandwich is well seasoned, moist and very good.  We understood why Schwartz's was the place to go for this great tasting signature sandwich of Montreal.

Smoked Meat Sandwich

We had a wonderful culinary experience by eating some different foods in fun places while gaining 5 pounds in the process.  EYE thoroughly enjoyed eating my way through the great city of Montreal.

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!

Bonnie DeShong

Travel Warnings and Alerts! When to Travel?

Today on our show we are talking about Travel Warnings and Alerts.  What are they?, How they impact your travels or better yet, your decision to travel.

 

From the State Department http://www.travel.state.gov/
Travel Warnings are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below meet those criteria.

 

Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, either transnational or within a particular country, that pose significant risks to the security of U.S. citizens. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a Travel Alert.


If you decide to travel:

• Stay up to date with the warnings, alerts and the situation at the destinations
• Assess the danger.  How safe is it for your to move around?
• Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program found on http://www.travel.state.gov/
• Know how to get in contact with US officials and how to seek assistance
• Have an emergency plan for the destination and have a person at home ready to assist you
• Keep enough money with you at all times for transportation home
• Keep your passport with you at all times in case you need to leave in a hurry

Cancellations, what are you entitled to:

• This will vary by situation and company
• If your flights and accommodations are cancelled you should be entitled to a full refund
• If your flights and accommodations are not canceled involuntarily you have to go with the companies policy
• Check your travelers insurance policy

Ja'Vonne Harley
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye
Owner, Advantage International, LLC