by Editor | Jan 1, 2006 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Luggage
This little bag, boasting of being 30 percent lighter than the competition, won our hearts. The sturdy frame protected the inner contents from being crushed by other bags. Even when loaded with heavy items, the unique shape prevented the bag from tipping over and allowed it to roll easily. We carried our electronic equipment for our traveling office and laptop inside ours and found it secure, spacious and easy to organize. Its combination light weight, durability, design, manageability and warranty features made this one the best carry-on suitcases I’ve ever traveled with.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2006 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We decided to try L’Astrance, named for a wildflower, after an acquaintance from a top Parisian restaurant recommended it as an up-and-coming gourmet hot spot. Although we heard from friends it was nearly impossible to book on short notice, we only had a few days left in Paris and nothing to lose so we called. Lady luck smiled in our direction, allowing us to book a table for that same night. Before finalizing our reservations, the polite gentleman explained all meals at L’Astrance were “surprise” menus.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2006 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
For years Lucas Carton had found the formula to accommodate diner’s varying wants and needs consistently serving delectable dishes with extraordinary service. Its lunch menu was a great buy. On and off the menu we always found dining there an enjoyable affair. In 2005, the owner and chef decided to shake things up a bit by closing Lucas Carton and opening a new, more informal restaurant, Senderens. We were a little anxious as made our way to the reincarnation of Chef Alain Senderens old culinary home, Lucas Carton, on a snowy day soon after it opened.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2006 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
We thoroughly enjoyed Varekai, Cirque du Soleil’s colorful two-hour (plus a half an hour intermission) traveling show. Faithful to the Cirque du Soleil tradition, the performance was vivid, exciting, touching, funny, and most of all entertaining. Varekai, meaning “wherever” in the Romany gypsy language, began with an amusing and at the same time tragic clown duo who kept the audience’s attention until a young muscular man, Icarus, descended from the “sky.” The production which had a flight theme was designed to pay tribute “to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to the infinite passion of those whose quest takes them along the path that leads to Varekai.”
by Editor | Dec 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
In spite of the snowy weather we found the entrance to Ledoyen easily. The restaurant faces the Petit Palais and sits back a short distance from the famed Champs Elysees. Although in the absence of a doorman or host, we were a bit reluctant to pass through the vacant hall; our courage was rewarded when we discovered a polite hostess sitting at a table under an imposing grand staircase. After confirming we had reservations and turning away would be diners without any, she led us upstairs.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2005 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Comfort
We now travel with so many gadgets, especially for long flights, we were hesitant to carry one more. The number of times we sat near screaming babies or obnoxious neighbors convinced us this was one item worth carrying if it reduced the intensity of the surrounding noises. It did.
The comfortable headset with an adjustable padded head band and padded over-the-ear cups, reduced the amount and sharpness of airplane engine and other sounds. It also improved the sound of the airplane audio so it was easier to hear and to distinguish words and sounds. An unexpected bonus was the ability to connect the Plane Quiet headset to our iPod player. The sound was excellent. The on and off button was easy to use and the volume control provided a broad range of sounds audible even with the airplane and surrounding noises.
