by Editor | Dec 1, 2005 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We wound our way on foot from our nearby Latin Quarter rental apartment through the cobblestone street of one of the oldest parts of the city to meet friends for lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, Jacques Cagna. Although it was a short walk and we found the restaurant easily, it was cold and by the time we reached Jacques Cagna we were ready to be in doors. Walking in from the freezing cold on a gray Parisian winter day we were thankful for the warm welcome and English friendly attitude.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2005 | Champagne, Europe, France, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We rode the train from Paris to Reims on a cold winter Monday, found a taxi easily and dashed from the train station on a speedy cab to Les Crayeres to make up for the 20 minute delay in the train schedule. This delay caused us to arrive later than we had planned at the restaurant (1:45 p.m.). In spite of our late entrance, the staff were awaiting our arrival and welcomed us warmly.
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.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Our 45-minute drive from Sandhurst to Lanseria International Airport on the northwest outskirts of Johannesburg was straightforward and uneventful. We found parking easily and entered the small airport looking forward to a panoramic flight. We cleared airport security in the company of our affable pilot Alistair and walked across the tarmac to a five-seat Squirrel helicopter. Minutes later, after a safety briefing, we were airborne and heading into Johannesburg with a platter of snacks and a carton of fruit juice for each of us. Hot air caused the flight to be bumpy so we had to eat the snacks later when our stomachs had settled.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Botswana, Linyati, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Although every trip and every lodge and camp we have visited in the past had qualities that distinguished it among its peers, some stand out for their sheer excellence. Our stay at Kings Pool, named for a Scandinavian monarch who visited the area before the camp was built, was one of the most rewarding overall visits to a game viewing tented camp in two dozen experiences to date. Fronting an oxbow of the Linyati River, Kings Pool had a rare combination of a superb location, extraordinary game viewing possibilities, a well designed, spacious and comfortable room, superior “home cooked” food and an outstanding, experienced and knowledgeable guide.
