We found the Steigenberger, a historic and elegant hotel dating back to the early 1900’s, a welcome respite. In the heart of Düsseldorf and across the street from the Opera, the Hotel was ideally situated for a visit to the central part of town. Owned by the Steigenberger chain, it offered a combination of charm, experienced and efficient staff, and a great location.
Arriving in Johannesburg after a long international flight, we preferred to remain within the Caesar’s complex (where the Emperor Hotel and Aurelia’s are located) near the airport. While there, we enjoyed the excellent and friendly service and food at Aurellia’s , named in honor of Julius Caesar’s mother. The high quality food was served hot and freshly made. Waiters were attentive and eager to please. The glass enclosed dining room was comfortable with an outdoor feel. Dining selections included South African, Asian and continental dishes.
: Dinner at Alain Ducasse’s New York restaurant was well prepared and well served. It was as close to authentic gourmet French food as we have had in the U.S. For those able to appreciate the nuances of an elaborate gourmet meal; and willing to spend the time and resources – dinner could easily exceed $300 per person – to enjoy it, ADNY would be an obvious choice.
In a city where several seatings a night are the norm, ADNY stood out for its one seating policy. It allowed diners to savor and stretch out the multiple course dinner over several hours. The professional, discreet, and customer oriented staff combined with the delicious food and ambiance provided the setting for a wonderful evening. The intimate ambiance and details like handbag stools, an after dinner sweets and candy trolley, a discreet and knowledgeable wine steward, and a souvenir brioche upon departure can make ADNY ideal for a special occasion or important meeting.
The Metropolitan Museum, more accurately a collection of museums, was a must for art lovers in the New York area. With two million artifacts spanning 5,000 years of art history, the sheer size of the Metropolitan Museum was daunting. It was the kind of place best enjoyed in multiple viewings and visits. There are only a small number of museums in the world with such large and diverse collections. Of those, few allow visitors as much room to admire and enjoy their extraordinary collections. When we visited The Metropolitan Museum, there were tours, audio guides, several eateries and souvenir shops to enhance the experience.
Visited by more than five million people a year, the Metropolitan Museum was a bustling art reservoir. In spite of large crowds, the afternoon we were by there was plenty of space to enjoy the fine art; we were even able to approach individual sculptures and paintings to observe a detail or identify a signature. This was noteworthy because getting within a couple of feet of major artworks at other comparable museums can be a tricky.
The leather Vertical Security Purse was perfect for my last trip to New York City. With steel cables sewn into the shoulder straps it felt safe around crowded areas like the airport and tourist attractions. The back pocket design was practical allowing me easy access to my airline tickets and identification. The flap in the front folded readily so I could retrieve items from a small zippered pocket without opening the main compartment.
: Cirque du Soleil Alegria is not a new show, it was first introduced to audiences in the mid 1990’s. We found the show likeable, especially for theatre and circus lovers who have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show. The show included acrobatics, trapeze performances, Aerial High Bars, flaming knives, a strong man, clowns, a contortionist act, Russian Bars and synchronized choreography. Though veteran Cirque du Soleil fans may prefer more dynamic shows such as “O,” Mystére, and Dralion, first timers may appreciate Alegria’ s understated efficiency.