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By Douglas | July 17, 2010, 8:25 am | Location: |Direct Views: 47 Posted from Fiumicino, Lazio, Italy.
Aboard AirFrance (A321) from CDG to Rome, with an ontime departure, landing in 1 hour and 45 minutes. The room keys timed out at 12:00, with us returning at 12:02. Papa seemed a bit bothered by the timing out of the key, then remembered that Marsha was in their room still.
The Opera Metro station was as busy as the previous days, only no “Information” help, which was needed today. The Metro pass that was fixed yesterday no longer worked today. In frustration of the long line for the one Metro employee to make sales, I was able to fit through the luggage area of the entrance into the station. After 5 sets of stairs, one elevator ride, and one escalator ride, we arrived at the Metro Line, for a quick trip to the next stop to connect to the RER B to the airport.
Our luck slightly improved when we boarded out train to the airport and realized it was an express with only 5 stops instead of the normal 11. A trip on a metro would not be complete without some type of street performer. Today was no difference, after the deaf person passing out the pens for a donation of 2,00, a family affair began their performance. This trio including a child of no more then 5 years old playing the tambourine, a portable sound system, and an accordion player. After 3 French Songs, they departed to the next car. Our entertainment about the RER B ended as quickly as it began.
CDG was as busy as always, with long queues to maneuver through the airport. We arrived at the check in of Terminal 2F, to find a SkyTeam Elite checkin line, with no one in the queue. Bags checked, boarding pass in hand, and directions to the lounge in less then 3 minutes. Way to go Air France!! Security at CDG was a bit more strict, in a different way. Shoes are allowed, but belts are not allowed, and iPads are laptops (or treated as such). After 2 failed attempts through security, I was given clearance to move forward. One interesting thing I did notice was that when my wallet was put through the machine, it was placed in between two trays to not allow the employees easy access to it as it passed through. While my inability to travel was apparent, we cleared the security queue in five minutes.
The AirFrance Business Lounge is now the Carb Lounge, full of potato chips, cookies, wine, crackers, yogurt, soda, alcohol, and Happy Snacks. The peach Schweppes was refreshing and when added to white wine, it made for a great spritzer. One hour in the lounge, off to gate F29 to board for the flight, on time push back, and enroute now.
Farewell Paris, it was an inspiring adventure in the city of lights, it feels as though Barcelona was a whim, and a long time ago. Hopefully we will be able to locate somewhere with wifi in Rome, without a high price tag.
We have changed altitudes looking for smooth air, no such luck yet!
By Douglas | July 17, 2010, 2:30 am | Location: |Direct Views: 56 Posted from Rome, Lazio, Italy.
Farewell Paris, this morning was the last morning in Paris, it was also the only day that I woke up before 10am. When traveling, days of flight, I tend to wake up around 06:00 regardless of when I began my slumber the night prior. With a departure planned for the hotel at noon, and a plane ride included in the day (Air Francei, A321), the day is unstoppable. Packed and ready to explore, we departed at 08:30, 30 minutes before our alarm was scheduled.
With the mission given by Papa to find a Cream Puff, we found a patisserie called LaDuree, located 10 minutes from the InterContinental Paris – Opera. The patisserie and restaurant offered one of the best varieties of sweets to savor. We departed with 2 chocolate eclairs, 1 cream puff, a raspberry shortcake, and two other baked goods. While the prices were higher then a street vendor, the quality and effort in the products was incredible.
The return back to the hotel involved a stop for Postcards (10 for 2,50), Starbucks Coffee, and a pursuit for Wifi. Wifi in France is pronounced Wee-Fi, and all of the Starbucks connection that provides the password for the rate of 2 for 30 minutes were not functioning. After visiting two Starbucks, the final location offered a beautiful area to savor food, coffee, with outdoor seating and a very classic Parisian feel inside. Starbucks in the US seem so small, yet in Europe, they have been more spacious and inviting. Waking up early revealed so many businesses that appeared closed throughout our visit, the late starts gave the perception that many were closed permanently.
Quick stop by the Apple Store in the pursuit of the iPad camera kit, no luck, and purchased a few souvenirs. Apple Store was busier then that of those in the US, and offered up free Wifi for the few minutes we ventured in. Off to CDG now for 15:25 departure to Rome.
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By Douglas | July 17, 2010, 2:22 am | Location: |Direct Views: 82 Posted from Rome, Lazio, Italy.
After our adventure to the pharmacy in the early morning hours, we found ourself walking back go find wifi to post, on unsecured networks. Unfortunately we failed miserably at our attempt to wake up early. Around 05:30 I began having labor pains, or what I would equate to labor pains, which lasted a few hours. I napped a bit longer while the parents and Daniel entertained each other. They enjoyed conversation while I slept, learning about Marsha’s job, discussing holidays, and laughing a bit.
The parents and Daniel enjoyed Mimosas next door, from champagne and orange juice we picked up the night before, strolling back home. The three mimosas that Marsha and Daniel did them both in, though Marsha slept until 19:00. I awoke at 14:30 and our day to visit the Eiffel Tower began.
The Opera station, conveniently located next to the InterContinental Le Grande allowed for easy access to virtually all of the mass transit of Paris. The information person (Aqua Man) was very friendly, assisting me through when my ticket failed to work (yet again), and when Daniel looked completely lost. The Train 8 to the Metro C brought us to the Eiffel Tower in 20 minutes. Papa, Daniel and I arrived at the Eiffel, with sprinkles in the air, and a young couple in the park enjoying each others company in a very intimate manner.
The Eiffel Tower was a buzz, with street vendors, tourists, and others out for a stroll through the Champs de Mars. The line for the Eiffel Tower was an hour, with the summit opening back up as we approached to purchase our tickets from the ticket booth. While waiting, 2 police offers arrived on motorcycles, immediately the street vendors scurried like roaches in sunlight. Amazing to see how quickly they can pack up their belongings in a towel and depart quickly out of the area, only to return moments later.
The line from the 2nd Floor was 35 minutes, to arrive at the Summit. The queue was very narrow, I would be surprised how any person of significant wait would be able to pass through the queue. One would think that the views at the Summit would surpass those on the prior two levels, but the lower levels had an unobstructed view of the city, without the fence. Even with the light sprinkles, the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower was memorable. When I went to the Eiffel Tower in 2008, my camera LCD broke in Prague, and Scott-E’s battery died. I am looking forward to the photos that Papa took as the official photographer of our vacation overseas. Upon exiting the lift, on the ground floor, we were warmly greeted by 15+ street vendors hounding us to purchase a variety of souvenirs. Daniel eventually gave in and picked up a few souvenirs key chains, with the normal price change upon selection.
A trip to the Eiffel Tower would not be the same without children screaming (like those sitting behind my row on the flight to Rome as I type this). The streets around the Champs de Mars are of urine, with many persons utilizing the trees as urinals within 10 feet from where we sat.
Our return back was greeted by a text from Marsha, that she was awake, dressed and ready to eat. A quick freshening up, and off to grab dinner at the Cafe across the street from the InterContinental. Our waiter was similar to the character in Ratatouilie, including the blowing of air to keep his hair out of his eyes. His English was understandable, and made it very clear to Daniel, Ladies FIRST when ordering, even if he was asking a question for her in french. The steak was not available, but then was available.
A final evening in Paris would not be complete without a visit to the Carnival for another crepe. Yearning for variety, we visited a different vendor, who seemed amazed at our request for chocolate and peanut better (Skippy!). She insisted that we did not want chocolate and peanut butter. The vendors in the carnival offered up Michael Jackson dolls as prizes, they were a bit scary.
Returning to the room at 23:50 revealed a pleasant surprise, we could see 1/3 of the Eiffel Tower from our view, and it remained lit until 01:00, when the beacon, and lights went dark after one final sparkle on the hour. It was a fond way to say Au Revoirs to the city of lights.
By Douglas | March 18, 2010, 8:05 am | Location: |Direct Views: 176 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC : Media – News releases – Holiday Inn makes Hospitality History with the relaunch of the 2,000th hotel
Congratulations to Holiday Inn and IHG for the relaunch of the 2000th hotel. Great news as the brand continues to improve around the globe. The largest relaunch in the history of the hotel business.
By Douglas | October 9, 2009, 8:10 am | Location: 30346 |Direct Views: 123
While discussing with a friend possible weekend vacation trips, Cancun came up, which started me on the path of researching flights and hotels. I was able to get air on AirTran (first time flying them) for around $350, which had me arriving into Cancun at 11am, and departing at noon. The flight times were perfect for a weekend trip, versus Uncle D’s options.
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Having never been to Cancun, I reached out to the Chef Concierge to plan out my trip, and find some “in the know” experiences. The Chef Concierge (Citlali Quezada) helped plan out all of my days, including one entire day by the beach.
The IC Presidente Cancun is situated along a perfect part of the beach in Cancun, with top notch service. I landed at 11:15, and exited the airport to find a greeter waiting for my party to take me back to the hotel. The driver provided water and ice cold beverages which were well received in the warm humid weather we jumped into.
Arriving in Cancun, you will pass many hotels, many are newer, some never repaired after the hurricane, but about 30 minutes from the airport, you arrive at the IC. The IC Cancun was built 35 years ago, but the age of the building has no impact on service, and allowed the hotel to become a staple in an incredible location.? They are currently in the process of renovating their guest rooms, which will make the hotel even better!
The check in was quick at the Concierge Desk, the Concierge was very knowledgeable and was able to follow up to several recommendations made prior to my arrival. While she was not the Chef Concierge, she was aware of the emails and was ready to help plan my adventures!
 I arrived at my room (6th floor), and had to pause a moment to enjoy one of the most incredible views I have seen since I lived in Hawaii and would visit the other islands.? The hotel has 2 beautiful pools, one which has several spas situated throughout the water. In addition to the typical hotel services, along the water they have a wide variety of water equipment you can rent to enjoy your time on the crystal blue waters.???
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Not wanting to miss a moment to experience the beach, explore the hotel, we quickly dropped our bags off, and began to explore the hotel.?
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Upon check in, the hotel provides you with a separate key for towel services, which are located on your way out to the beach / pool areas.?The beach at the hotel had ample chairs for all of the guests of the hotel, beachsidedrink/food service, and was a complete break for me from work.? The poolside service provided hot food along with the refreshments to make the most of my day by the ocean. The shade coverings was perfect for a fair skinned person not wanting to get too much sun, yet enjoy what mother Earth had to offer.??
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 Within the lobby, the hotel has Advantage Rent-A-Car, we were able to pickup a rental car for the day (in lieu of an 11 hour tour) and drive out to Chichen Itza. The drive was approximately 2 hours from the hotel, and you should be warned in advance, no gas station for 135km once you pass the airport. The only turn around point was 40km into the drive, the signage along the road left something to be desired. Chichen Itza plays a double role as also what would seem to be a giant swap meet, where everyone is your “amigo” and everything is “almost free”. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs!
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  The bar area had great ambiance, withlights that would change over one of the most impressive Tequila collections I have ever seen in my life.??The bartender?made one tasty Margarita, with Blancograde Tequila (Silver). The price for 9 Margaritas was $68.00 USD, which for a hotel, is very reasonable for any beverage within the bar, let alone one that would include alcohol. The hotel has a restaurant that offered a buffet with a variety of food offerings. The view from the restaurant overlooks the beach and sits along the ground level.??
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If you are looking for a quick getaway from the US, a hotel with impeccable service, top notch location, amazing views, warm water, then the IC Cancun is a destination to add to your list! While I don’t return to cities I have visited, with my pursuit to always want to visit more, visiting this resort, relaxing in the water, this hotel and city may just be a repeat city!
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Thank you IC Cancun for an amazing weekend adventure! It was an “In the Know” trip!
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