DEAR TRAVELISTAS... It has been a long journey to this newsletter. I appreciate how many of you have expressed concern about not having seen one for a while.
In the process of publishing my book of travel tips, I needed a new website and with that came a revised newsletter format too. It took all summer to accomplish and then I was traveling in France in September. So you are finally seeing the results now. I wish I only had to take wonderful trips with you - ignoring newsletters, bookkeeping and unpacking. But alas, it is the cost of admission to a more exotic world. That world continues to change – all the more reason to see it NOW. You Go Girls! has plans to get you there. Watch for details in future newsletters. For breaking news keep an eye to our Facebook page. Once again the holidays have crept up upon us and I find myself pausing to be thankful for each of you. I wish you all the best of the holidays you celebrate. From my house I offer a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Travel well - Marcia |
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RECIPES INSPIRED BY THE WORLD Just in time for the holiday rush of whipped cream. The inspiration for this creation came from visits to the bourbon and whisky distilleries of Kentucky and Tennessee. Maker’s Mark is crafted in Loretto, Kentucky where the Samuels family has shared its gift of hospitality for six generations. I love the fact that Margie Samuels created the Maker’s Mark label and that font is still used on their products today. Stop in for a tour if you are ever nearby. |
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Kentucky Whipped Cream 1 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons brown sugar – or to taste 2 tablespoons Markers Mark bourbon – or to taste Whip cream and sugar together to desired stiffness. Stir in bourbon. |
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BIRTH OF A NEW WEBSITE It is appropriate that our new website was designed by a woman in Australia. In the same way You Go Girls! has grown through your sharing it with others, a fortuitous series of shared projects led to the door of Evie Foster. I have never met her or heard her voice although I hear it in my dreams reminding me of deadlines she has set for us. I know we would all like Evie. She is our kind of woman. She is fun and full of adventure. I love her bold belief in herself demonstrated in her tagline – I AM EVIE FOSTER. This woman knows who she is. She manages a singer, and has modeled, designed a line of clothing, and been a soldier. She is brave, feeling, smart, patient, professional and caring. I am grateful for her and the set of skills she brought to this project. Thank you Evie. I cannot wait to give you the hug you deserve. You ARE Evie Foster! |
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5 NEW THINGS IN PARIS Along the way I have lost track of how many times I have been to Paris. It is somewhere between 12-15. Am I an expert by now? Absolutely NOT. I know how to navigate the Metro and how to buy a train ticket out of the machine. I know what time to arrive at the Louvre so you hear the bells of l'Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois tolling. But there are plenty of the 20 arrondissments my feet have not touched.
My mission on my September visit was to see and experience some new things. I succeeded in a big way. |
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The Chocolate Walking Tour Need I say more? Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate from tarts to truffles. Our friend Iris normally leads this tour but she is on leave after having a baby boy in July. Congratulations to her and her husband. We look forward to working with her again soon and are grateful for the chance to have met Richelle, who was a great substitute. This delicious tour weaves history and chocolate into a tasty treat. |
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The Street Art Walking Tour I had a completely WRONG impression of what this tour was to cover. It was about Street Art as opposed to tagging and graffiti. It was fascinating and Paris is a hub of this hip, contemporary and sometimes provocative art form. To add a twist, the guide was a young Korean American; a self avowed Marxist from San Francisco wearing a vintage Burberry overcoat. The tour focused on the 19th-20th arrondissments where the Paris Commune had roots. The art ranged from pretty to thought provoking. I now see and recognize some of the artists of Street Art on many Parisian walls. |
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Fashion Walking Tour The old gallerias that once provided sheltered, dry shopping experiences still exist in a few places. We visited two of them along with learning some history of shopping. The narrative brought history into focus alongside modern fashion icons such as Christian Louboutin and Stella McCartney. I had never spent time in the wonderful Palais Royal. Some touches of contemporary art have turned it into an interesting quiet spot in the middle of a bustling city. |
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Massage For about 15 years I have been passing the massage studio on Rue Dauphine. This time I scheduled an appointment. Let me just say – it was more than a little unnerving to be greeted by surveillance cameras in the lobby. Believe me, I checked the treatment rooms for cameras before I disrobed. Massages in foreign countries can be counted on for some laughs. The service was adequate and went a long way to relaxing my suffering back. Click here for another massage story. |
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Cooking class - Classic French Sauces Caprial and John have spoiled me. It has been a while since I have gone looking for a cooking class. This one scored a 10 in my book. Anyone with an interest in food would find this hands-on class beneficial. It included sauces of Béchamel, Mayonnaise, Vinaigrette, Red Wine and Shallots, Port Wine, Béarnaise Salted Caramel and Chocolate. So far, I have managed to duplicate three of them at home. This was money well spent. |
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CURVY NEWS Just say Oh La La! On my recent trip to Paris I spent a great deal of time shopping for you. I wanted to make connections with some of the shops we will visit in April and to confirm the quality of them. Girl, was I surprised. Those shops are beautiful. Some are modern with clean lines and professional presentations playing on state of the art flat screens. At least one is very “old school” with a juicy boudoir feeling that Marie Antoinette could come around the corner at any minute. They are all excited to meet you. One of my favorite meetings was with designers Pauline and Julie Clavel. |
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Their shop just moved into a new space. They are as sweet as they can be. You will love them. As we parted we shared the obligatory French double cheek kisses. I remarked that they both smelled so good. That brought about another half hour of chatting about perfume. Wait ‘til you have a chance to visit their favorite perfumer. C’est magnifique! |
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A VEW OF THE FUTURE Planning ahead is a constant challenge. There is so much to consider. What is the best season to visit a place? What fits into the schedule? What special events may be affecting hotel availability or pricing? But most importantly WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? You know you can always drop me a line with your suggestions. All signs have led to the following destination to watch for on the horizon. WINE, WOMEN AND THE WILD WEST – June 2016 INDIA – October 2016 RIVER CRUISE ST PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW – SUMMER 2017 BOSTON - 2017 MEXICO, DAY OF THE DEAD – FALL 2017 CHRISTMAS MARKET RIVER CRUISE - 2017 |
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LAST CALL RED MOUNTAIN SPA APRIL 11-15 2016 This is the time to commit to the Red Mountain Spa trip, April 11-15, 2016. It still seems like a long way off but it is just around the corner. Please contact me immediately whether you are joining us again or for the first time. Spaces will not be open for much longer. There are many good reasons we have returned to Red Mountain Spa for so many spring visits. - It is good for the soul
- It is beautiful
- It is rejuvenating
- It is affordable
- It has great food
- It offers a wide variety of activities This is always one of my favorite spring escapes. The dry warm air, the roadrunners and bunnies racing around the property and those stunning red rocks give me a lift every time and I would love to share it with you.
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