tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77144173323356267922024-03-05T09:23:48.042-08:00The Born to Shop LadySuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-4122992112451517702011-05-20T12:11:00.000-07:002011-05-20T12:13:42.714-07:00Uh-Oh Google AlertWe are off again fro China and India and as much as I hope to blog each day, the lssons learned in China are that Google and certian governments are not sympa, I understand I will have the same issues in india so excuse me if I cannot reach out to touch, or teach...this is a google based blog bin surSuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-72259852499602655122011-02-01T08:03:00.001-08:002011-02-01T08:04:38.144-08:00mugged in parislast night, my dinner date never arrived at our rendezvous because he was mugged in the Paris subway; today Born to Shop co-author Sarah Lahey was robbed at the Concorde Station of the #1 metro. It was to be our perfect last day in Paris, but two muggings in less than 24 hours is terrifying and a warning to all.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-7400025370113593412011-01-30T02:31:00.000-08:002011-01-30T02:38:54.170-08:00Bon Dimanche from ParisWe have spent a lovely few days in Barcelona and are now back in Paris, at the Hotel Pont Royal, which is the most perfect Left Bank hotel of your dreams-- small and fancy but not too fancy; some rooms with views of the Eiffel Tower. Ours has a view of the new Monoprix across the street which seems appropriate for a pair of shopping goddesses.<br /><br />This morning I had planned to return to the flea market at Vanves to buy some dessert forks I didn't buy last Sunday, but the vagaries of the #95 bus and the seriousness of a $20 taxi ride seemed too much to handle. If you come to my house for dinner, be prepared to cope without proper dessert forks. Not that the ones I planned to buy were proper-- they were fish forks!<br /><br />Tomorrow we are off to the factory outlets at La Vallee, the highlight of our shopping dreams. I wll also go to the supermarket out there and fill in at the Monoprix across the street...and at Le Grand Epicerie at Bon Marche, where I know I can get sirop for making Freanch marshmellows, lemon salt, etc. Bought Iberia ham for $20 for 100 grams at Barcelona iarport to find French ham from Bayonne (similar to Iberian) for $5. Meanwhile, we watch Cairo on CNN.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-18233605461874335402011-01-28T03:31:00.000-08:002011-01-28T03:43:07.834-08:00ritzing it up in barcelonaWe have come to Barcelona to work on Born to Shop Provence Plus-- Barcelona being a short hop from France and a good way to get to Provence, since you have to drive anyway. THe weahter is cool; women are out on the streets in their fur coats and high heels. It's not thaaaat cold. <br /><br />We stayed one night at the new Mandarin Oriental, a gorgeous modern hotel right on the main shopping street Passeig de Gracia, all modeled in white with wavy bathroom tiles and window screens that go up and down with a remote control.<br /><br />Now we have moved around the corner to the Hotel Palace which was built by Cesar Ritz in 1913 and recently remodeled in plush Regency style with willow green velvet in the lobby and a room of beige and flocked velvet wallpaper. The TV is the mirror over the fireplace and the balcony would make Evita proud. We open the balcony doors to use it as a fridge when shopping for ham and chorizo.<br /><br />Our first night in town we walked a few blocks to El Corte Ingles, the biggest department store in town and went to their supermarket in the basement. We took a rolly suitcase so we could carry bottles of olive oil back to the hotel-- hopefully they will make it to Paris with us and then on to USA. I could not find my favorite brand (with the rooster on the front) but noted that the oil is sold by the varietal...in the California Central Coast I know my grape varietals, but only a few of the types of olives. I bought Picoul which i think has a full flavor and much body...or will after I have schlepped it around the world.<br /><br />I had breakfast in the Winter Garden of the Palace Hotel today -- it is a true Edwardian Winter Garden and is the location of one of my dog Toffee's greatest pranks. I brought him here when he was but a puppy and noted how well behaved and quiet he was under the table, until I noted with distress that he had escpaed into the garden portion of the Winter Garden and was digging half way to China. That's what dachshunds do, I guess. It is very lonely without him here now.<br /><br />On the first night at El Corte Ingles, I fell in love with some accessories from the Designual line which in times past I would have told you is a Custo wannabe. Now it's my favorite store and line here in BCN, as it is written in many store names. They have a store at the airport, so I almost can't wait to leave.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-75813270079388222842011-01-24T07:24:00.000-08:002011-01-24T07:48:25.820-08:00Bienvenue a ParisArrived in Paris on almost empty Open Skies flight from Newark; hotel room not ready so off to the flea market at Vanves; felt giddy with greed...or was that jetlag? Didn't buy any of the many things I wanted; did spring for a small painting that I can n0w schlep on rest of my travels. Will take it to the next 60% off framing sale at Michael's. The vendor told me the painting was an antique since it is signed and dated 1966. I wonder what that makes me? <br /><br />There was a small cultural brouhaha when I took a photo at a stunning display turned out by one of the vendors-- he toldme it was usual to ask permission to take a photo before shooting. I apologized profusely and groveled as the Ignorant American I knew myself to be. He thanked me for speaking French and showing him some respect. Travel teaches us all so much...<br /><br />Eventually we got to check into our room at a brand new Paris hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Le Pavillon des Lettres (www.paviliondeslettres.com), the remake of a tiny hotel around the corner from my last apartment in Paris, so I know my way around and know all the sneaky short cuts to Monoprix. There are 26 rooms in this hotel that are said to be named for the letters of the alphabet although ours is named Urfe, which is not a letter that i know in any alphabet or in any pronounciation I can recognize. The room is postage stamp sized but incredibly chic-- the twin bed is short and narrow (which I am not) but the duvet is heavenly. The location in the 8e is truly sublime-- I know, I lived here once.<br /><br />All the sales in the stores are down the street or around the corner. In fact,<br />Monoprix is deep in sales, so there was nothing to drool over. I did swoon for a long black gab jacket/ overcoat thingy from the new collection, meaning not on sale. I may go back and lay down my 89 euros, but again, that's no bargain and I am waiting for the last days of my trip here when I will head out to La Vallee, the outlet mall near Disneyland Paris. <br /><br />I will do my grocery shopping later in the trip: probably at the Auchan hypermarket next door to the outlet mall...so far I just picked up some makeup remover, a few eyebrow pencils and a Coke. A single bottle of Coke from the corner grocery cost 2 euros or $2.80...possibly more, depending on the rate of exchange. Indeed, everything seems expensive, so I can't wait to get into some serious soldes to start saving money. <br /><br />I come to Paris each January for my regular medical checkups. The vampire on the corner took my blood and about 100 euros cash; will find out how healthy I am in a few days. Most interesting part of the visit to the lab was the little shelf in the bathroom where you are told to leave your urine specimen...no walking through the lobby with a warm plastic cup in hand or a feeling of chagrin. I will be saving $$$ when I get my Rx at the pharmacy. Drug prices are regulated in France and cost a small fraction of the US prices. Take that one to Congress. Of course, no one wants to go back to America to brag about a bargain on thyroid medicine, so I hope to do better in the next few days. Tomorrow my goal is to take on Lafayette Maison the housewares branch of Galeries Lafayette.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-58209035598401180722011-01-22T07:25:00.000-08:002011-01-22T07:35:48.973-08:00On to ParisWe chose to stay at this luxury Times Square address (new Intercontinental hotel) in order to be close to Port Authority and Holland Tunnel for getting to Newark today for the fast escape to Paris. The sun is shinning into my window here-- but it is bitterly cold in NYC and I am looking forward to leaving town and being home in Paris. It's unlikely we will roll our extra suitcases over to Port Authority to take a bus like a normal person would/should do-- we will probably splurge for a taxi or call the 777 people for the black sedan and an airport rate.<br /><br />Before we leave this afternoon, I plan to make a run to a favorite fabric store Mood, on west 37th Street between 8th and 7th Avenues which should be an easy walk even if my toes freeze to the curb-- i learned about this store on a TV show and first shopped it about three years ago; there is floor after floor of yard goods of all qualities and prices-- it's a big hang out for design students and garmentos.<br /><br />Yesterday we went wild with glee as we enjoyed Eataly,200 Fifth Avenue at 24th Street, the Mario Batali department store of italian food prods and cafes. I wanted to buy the trufled butter but had no way to keep it from going off so settled for black truffles in pesto sauces in a can and a few jars of gianduia crema. If i wasn't head to Europe to do my grocery shopping, I would have gone wild.<br /><br />Now that I have few groceries tucked away the biggie is if I go back to Duane Reade pharmacy to buy more of that French Lierac foundation that I adore that I cannot find in France anymore...at $40 a pop I hate to load up and spend down. That's New York for you -- way too many possibilities for shopping.<br /><br />I feel way too old and too poor to live here again, but the thought that people do and can shop in places like Eataly reminds me that this is indeed the greatest city in the world.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-3137957807092978902011-01-20T14:29:00.000-08:002011-01-20T14:45:07.615-08:00Manhattan ProjectWe're waiting for a snow storm here in NYC, this seems to be the usual drill here this winter and I am not too worried about getting out on Saturday evening when Sarah Lahey and I depart for Paris. Meanwhile, we're snuggled into a very nice room in the new InterContinental Hotel Times Square-- wouldn't mind being snowed in here at all. The hotel is in a great location, although frankly I remember when nice girls didn't visit neighborhoods like this-- now there's a Shake Shack below and a Westin hotel across the street and most importantly a giant Duane Reade on the corner at 42nd Street. We're in the heart of the Theatre District, with Phantom playing right across the street.<br /><br />Now, about that Duane Reade, it used to be a pharmacy-- which it still is-- but the chain has taken over a lot of empty real estate and expanded not only their stores but the categories of goods they sell. Many stores have fresh foods and baked goods; some will soon sell beer on tap (!) I only cared about the makeup department-- of course. Since I am headed to Paris, I am trying to go light on the debit cards now...but after a trip to Sephora and then Saks, I did my spending at Duane Reade where I discovered, among other things, a line of tini cocktail makeup (you gotta have a gimmick)...this is tini as in martini, not tini as in tiny or small. I paid $16.50 for a lipgloss (Cuba Libre-- everything has a cocktail name); this is a lot of money in my makeup budget, but it seemed like a Chanel product I know from duty free shopping, so maybe I saved $$$. this DR is open 24/7; has an MD on premises and offers three floors of shopping ops. I even found a favorite makeup base from France (Lierac) that is no longer sold in France, although I used to pay 25 europs for it and today paid $40...which is more than 25 euros. Although it saves on airfare and a time machine.<br /><br />I've noticed that all the streets in this area now call themselves Times Square addresses, as if trying to cash in on the glamour. A new burger place on west 40th street says it's Times Square whereas this hotel, created from a parking lot, on west 44th is also called Times Square. Although we are very loyal to the Intercontinental brand, we picked this hotel partly because of it's location near the Port Authority. We leave for Paris from Newark Airport, which is easy to get to when you are based this far west-- or if you take a bus from the PA.<br /><br />Now we're off to dinner at Bistro DB Moderne, one of Daniel Boulud's restaurants which is handily on the same street as our hotel. In between the hotel and the restaurant is the new bowling alley, BowlMor, 222 W 44th Street. We'll take a look at it as we go by but frankly, since I am still recovering from my spine injury, I don't think a game of bowls is in the cards. But this location is sublime.<br /><br /> In fact, there are more theatres and restaurants on west 44th street than I think any other location in Manhattan. Tomorrow night we'll dine at Osteria Al Doge, also on west 44th, a favorite Italian restaurant from the days when I lived in the tri-state area. Of course, that will be a double headed for my hips with Italian food since we're planning on lunch at Eat-ly; I will write about that tomorrow...and the bowling alley, of course.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-10316103223867436662010-11-29T08:51:00.000-08:002010-11-29T09:12:49.216-08:00Best of London ShoppingLast night, as I drifted to sleep, I kept muttering "I can't wait for Charlie's Angels" which is a family slogan in my household that hails back to the 1970's when my late husband's daughter was a little girl. Now it's come to mean 'I'm excited about anything' and so I could barely sleep for knowing that today we were off to Bicester Village, the outlet mall near Oxford... as well as the adjoining Tesco.<br /><br />We had a car and driver (Prius is fabulous from the back seat) and passed sheep in snow and frosty fields. The Tesco was not a great store and I was very upset to discover they were totally sold-out of Original Source TeaTree & Mint. I had planned to buy a dozen bottles for the hols and take advantage of the car service to not have to schelp. Ah yes. At least I was outta Tesco quickly and into the village style outlet mall with its big name designer shops and upmarket shoppers in search of discounts on designer goods.<br /><br />Sarah scored a pair of Tod's for less than their regular USA price...and I bought well at Kenneth Turner, where I have been a sucker for their original scent-- all cinnamon and orange peel. Turner used to have a florist shop on South AUdley Street, near The Dorchester and is still famous for his candles and room scents. Diffusers are still a big deal here in U.K. and our hotel smells so good with our reed diffuser (in the loo) that I went all out with my 22 pounds to bring joy to my home in Paso Robles.<br /><br />We came back into London via Kensington High Street and realized that a lot of our favorite stores were there, as well as a branch of TKMaxx the U.K. version of T.J. Maxx. Since we had never been to a British version of this off-price store, we felt compelled to shell out 10 pounds in taxi fare (tubes on strike-- traffic horrible) to get back there from our hotel. Afterall, we are working shoppers and the public wants to know.<br /><br />Indeed, Kensington High Street was better than Oxford Street and far less crowded. This is the location of the Beauty Boots, a one-off Boots branch that is devoted to all sorts of beauty brands and even has a cosmetic dental clinic on premises. They carry Chanel and YSL makeup as well as more commercial brands. I loaded up on their cucumber moistering cream for 1.49 (about $2USD) which is very similar to the brand Say Yes to Cucumbers, which costs $14 USD for a small tube. Sarah and I have both tested the new bargain cukes and adore it. I also bouth some of the famous No. 7 Preserve & Protect, which sounds like something the police force has promised to do-- but it's a wrinkle cream. I bought the new intensive night cream but not the serum that goes underneath-- I was saving for my retirement and couldnt bear to part with yet another twenty pounds.<br /><br />There's a wonderful branch of Marks & Spencer (with food hall in basement) and a TopShop in this neighborhood, as well as a large UniGlo (as good as Tokyo!)and several other multiples-- American stores as well as British-- and then there's Whole Foods and, across the street, TKMaxx which is so different from the US cousin that you could write your masters' dissertation about the two different versions of the same store. Most of the brands are European; many are names uncommon to the U.S. Prices were not give-away, but were in the fun category-- many stocking stuffers in the under 5 pounds price range. <br /><br />Since I'd fallen for reed diffusers at Kenneth Turner, I bought more for 10 pounds per-- much less and not from a fancy, statusy brand.There were many big brand items and a number o fno-name items throughout the store, although I did not have the strength to shop every inch of the three floors of goodies.<br /><br />It was a wonderful day of shopping-in-London, Christmas and Channukah shopping and has put us in a very good mood. Soon we will tackle the traffic and taxi fares to head to Langan's for bangers and mash. And then we will bid a fond farewell to the Queen and fly over the pond and home to our doxy boys.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-73521990711761857712010-11-28T10:35:00.000-08:002010-11-28T10:47:30.640-08:00For England and for Wills!Last night saw much earnest debate between Sarah and I-- the perfect Sunday morning venue in London? Columbia Street Flower Market? Camdentown? Shepher'd Bush? Hmmm, not the right Sunday for the big flea market at Chiswick (first Sunday of each month; Margaret Thatcher not included)...a museum? Is Harrod's open on Sunday's (yes; recent change in policy); what time does Peter Jones open on Sunday (11AM)...what do we most need for Born to Shop pages versus the outrageous cost of taxis?<br /><br /><br />All became moot when we slept til 11AM and missed breakfast then had to get crackin' to check out of one hotel and into the next. We made it to Peter Jones on Sloane Square, noting that the Jo Malone and Patridge's (gourmet grocery) were both gone. Partridge's turned up around the corner in the Duke of York Square.<br /><br />We went to Peter Jones for the bed linen (doesn't everyone) and found much adore about Cath Kidston bed linen...more Kidston prints in street markets of Hong Kong but still a feast for the eyes. Kings' Road seemed mostly unchanged altho Korres, te Greek bath line, seems to be gone as does Dollargrand, for cheapie handbags. An antiques mews is gone-- now a branch of Anthropologie and Lush has been renovated. They have a totally new line. When I asked after Red Rooster, I was told there was a special web site for retro products. Talk about making me feel old.<br /><br />We'd had lunch at Wagamama before we starte down Sloane Street and were wowed by the number of young couples with their two perfect children. Each looked like Kate & Wills.<br /><br />Once we had exhausted ourselves and I was reduced to limping, we checked into The Levin Hotel, next door to Harrod's on Basil Road. Our taxi driver thought we said "Eleven" which has been a common problem when bragging about this hotel. It's a townhouse hotel with only ten rooms; it's stunningly gorgeous. As the General Manager showed us around our suite he explained that there is no mini-bar, just a Champagne bar.<br /><br />If we'd only bought all the Sunday newspapers we could snuggle down with the bubbly and the papers.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-44261307553150243032010-11-27T08:05:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:17:48.834-08:00LandedWe have been in fair london town for about 24 hours...most of that time we have been cursing the shoppers who have formed enormous mobs in streets and stores and gloating over our good luck in getting here so easily. Sarah had two upgrade coupons with \united, where she has 1K status, and because we flew on Thanksgiving Day when the plane was not as mobbed as Oxford Street, we both got business class seats with flat sleepers. It was life changing! For the first time since my accident, I have arrived somewhere within miserable pain and suffering or oragami blues.<br /><br />Checked into The Athenaeum Hotel at Picadilly and Green Park while Sarah headed for Primark on Oxford Street. I got into a taxi and headed to Whitehall to inspect the new Corinthia Hotel, going up along the Thames next to Embankment and one block from Trafalgar-- it's going to be stunning. More on that one soon-- it opens in April, if you happen to be coming here for the Royal Wedding. I felt asleep looking at the moon over Green Park out my window and listening to American Telly on Channel 5 here, which specializes in American dramas and movies.<br /><br />This is one of my favorite London hotels not only for location and chic ease but because of their famous sticky toffee pudding which I got for breakfast...along with poached eggs, bangers, mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon, etc. Then we flew off to Portobello Road Market. It's easier to take taxis since five lines of the tube are down now and the traffic is horrendous. Even Portobello was too crowded for intrepid shoppers so we headed to Boots and Tesco Metro, the grocery store, Pizza Express and then Liberty of London.If there is a recession in this country, you wouldnt know it by the throngs of shoppers.<br /><br />Today and tomorrow the streets in major shopping districts are closed to vehicular traffic so you can join the mobs. Prices are so high here and crowds so nerve-racking that I long for a good old fashioned American Black Friday and would kill to shop at 4AM without jetlag. Of course, we have to pray Sarah has more upgrades in her bank for a seamless trip back to SFO on United...otherwise it's Executive Economy and aching bones for days. Oh well.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-60851814863794512642010-11-24T14:04:00.000-08:002010-11-24T14:12:38.178-08:00Carrying OnAs the Born to Schlep Lady, I am turning over a new leaf and trying a radical approach to tomorrow's trip to London: carry-on luggage. Since I can barely walk and need a wheelchair to get to the plane, carrying anything is a crazy idea, but for a four night stay it seems a sin to waste time waiting for luggage to arrive.<br /><br /> This past spring I sprang for some lightweight Lipault luggage in Paris and hope to get another piece to the set when I am back in Paris in January. For now, I am terrified that my carry-on is not the legal size and I will be forced to check it and thus screw up the plan for easy sailing. If you don't know the Lipault brand have a look at their web site-- it's soft-sided nylon; I bought chocolate brown but it comes in a variety of fashion colors.<br /><br /> Here's what I have packed: two pairs Eileen Fisher black stretch pants (washable), 5 pairs clean knickers, one cashmere sweater (borrowed from Sarah), one Eileen Fisher dress, on silk scarf, makeup and toiletries and my Aerosoles desert boots in black suede. Oh yes, there's tights and socks and a black t-shirt or two and a nightgown...also some Born to Shop books and a few gift items for business meetings. As well as two empty nylon duffles as we don't have to play this silly game on the return.<br /> <br /> My shopping list: Original Source, Cadbury Flake bars, whatever few must-haves I find at Boots and Tesco and a box of Thornton's Original Toffee. Since I can't take my dog Toffee.<br /><br /> Meanwhile, happiest of hols to all.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-23502991042487178002010-11-13T01:45:00.000-08:002010-11-21T16:00:54.265-08:00Watch It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NtDKJ6P8-URtK5XaX1NIFXHYasvZ6ZGPovGjtPcRcqKBPHF50_Py7hkKTbBcjpdpnMhlUgY7yv4bG8gA5rAjA6Gc0xipuN0DQvWS9AN37-af-B4zQVKIKq3bay-1CxdC1QZZyy3-0hQ/s1600/SHenzHen+watch+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NtDKJ6P8-URtK5XaX1NIFXHYasvZ6ZGPovGjtPcRcqKBPHF50_Py7hkKTbBcjpdpnMhlUgY7yv4bG8gA5rAjA6Gc0xipuN0DQvWS9AN37-af-B4zQVKIKq3bay-1CxdC1QZZyy3-0hQ/s400/SHenzHen+watch+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542156845962422050" /></a><br />I have driven myself, and all who know me, insane with my desire for two mis-matched purple beaded metallic watches from the Fa Yuen Street Market over the last six months. I did not buy them on two other forays because the vendor would not negotiate on price and was rude, rude, rude.<br /><br /> Today I gave in and bought the watches, blinded by my delight and greed-- two watches for $50. The vendor pulled them off my wrist with a nasty tug (I had planned to wear them) and shoved them into cello wrap. <br /><br /> In the taxi home to the InterConti Hotel, I took out my watches to bask in their glow. Just one problem. One of them does not work -- totally dead.<br /><br /> I now realize the vendor gave me the jerk off knowing full well that one watch was a dud. I know feel stupid, stupid, stupid because I am as bad and as dumb as every gweilo in history. <br /><br /> Moral of the story: this is China; pay attention!<br />PS: Update on story:<br />new watch battery from Sears: $8.99 and special trip to Sears; new crystals for the five that fell out the first day I wore the two watches: $4.99 on sale at Michael's plus a new tube of nail glue; aggravation from my obsession for these watches-- priceless.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-87616700286074166562010-11-13T01:36:00.000-08:002010-11-21T16:07:57.825-08:00Handbag Hunting in Hong Kong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBydBpixJX4F_4nkuPJfxnV0LXElf2bm_CVFHjnfQUozRAODuIh1DEu3yH2u_x_NahgfRpVMx7s5OwE9pRwHJVh841R4zI5uR5LVivuoz_9r2TZIhTanbyH6dSyVsTzX4ui8nO5xq7hkI/s1600/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBydBpixJX4F_4nkuPJfxnV0LXElf2bm_CVFHjnfQUozRAODuIh1DEu3yH2u_x_NahgfRpVMx7s5OwE9pRwHJVh841R4zI5uR5LVivuoz_9r2TZIhTanbyH6dSyVsTzX4ui8nO5xq7hkI/s400/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542158057970141778" /></a><br />Began the day at in the Peninsula Hotel Basement Level to check out the new digs of Maylin, a trusted source for many years which has just moved to smaller quarters downstairs-- nice but pricey; no cigar.<br /> Then out the back door of The Pen to jaywalk across Nathan Road and dart into Middle Road and head to Far East Mansions and upstairs to the Ashneil nirvana-- as crammed as always with colors and textures and news of what styles are in and out, ie some new Chanel bags no longer have double C hardware on them in the real world. There were assorted clutches, three handle bags, leopard printed Keiselstein-Cord wannabes and the usual flood of beaded evening bags. Anil recently won a lawsuit against Chloe, the firm that said his work was a little too close for comfort. Ashneil regulars, please note: Anil has lost tons of weight and looks great! You will barely recognize him.<br /> Went onward to Kimberley Hotel lobby (up their escalator one flight) to Cosmos, a new resource for us as recommended by Louisa Chan.(Photo above.) They had many of the same bags we'd seen at Maylin, but for less $$$ and equal quality. We went bonkers for beaded and embroidered velvet velour bags; I bought my daughter-in-law a crytsalized lether (new term to me) bag with G's all over it now that she's a Gersh-girl, even if she hasn't changed her last name.<br /> From there it was a taxi yto the Prince Edward entrance of Fa Yuen Street Market-- jam packed on a Saturday. This is the place to buy low-cost dingle dangles for your handbags and totes-- these very much the vogue in Tokyo and here.<br /> Now to pack these treasures.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-71152141595025699092010-11-12T02:33:00.001-08:002010-11-21T16:09:41.824-08:00One Perfect Day in Hong Kong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl88RxxdiC8T5ObdcFAGESDri3DZK3Jvz-3QbzKVS5opdu6Rc8rqqMapkUmCZ2i7HDTA4dAopGEmMQK80nGg-OC-6XTGRIlPvhipFxYXSYa2CEdOv-XEqkNQujp7S7OpR_qdlX1m-o5PI/s1600/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl88RxxdiC8T5ObdcFAGESDri3DZK3Jvz-3QbzKVS5opdu6Rc8rqqMapkUmCZ2i7HDTA4dAopGEmMQK80nGg-OC-6XTGRIlPvhipFxYXSYa2CEdOv-XEqkNQujp7S7OpR_qdlX1m-o5PI/s400/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+278.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542159540385245186" /></a><br />It has been a perfect day; alas, we spen very little of it actually in Hong Kong or even Kowloon.<br /><br />Step No. 1= wake up in a Harbour View room in the InterConti Hong Kong, with dawn coming over the harbour and the highrises on Victoria Island;<br />Step No. 2= buffet breakfast in the Club Lounge, even if the croissants were over-baked;<br />Step 3= Walk from the hotel a few paces into the TST East train station for a direct train to Lo Wu, PRC;<br />Step 4= Sail through immigration and customs, out of HKG and into China, change money at depot money exchange at $1 USD for 6.8 yuan and then ride escaltor to shopping Nirvana in Lo Wu Commercial Centre;<br />Step 5= Eat peking duck at Laurel Restaurant on 5th floor.<br />#6= shop all of 5th floor, which to me has always been the best-- fabric market, Issey Miyake Pleats Please wannabe store, kite dealer in the hallway and plenty of Harajuku Lovers.<br />#7= Stop at Starbucks on the New Territories Side of the bridge before getting on train back to Kowloon. Once on train, admire sky, vegetation and Tolo Bay.<br />#8= return to InterConti in time for scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam for tea and a nap.<br />#9= Dinner at Nobu in the hotel followed by a foot massage on Nathan Road.<br />#10= Stare at lights from bed overlooking harbour, note all the lovers who promenade on the walkway, muse over the firepits with braziers glowing, then drift off with Mr. Chow, Chinese expression for dream time.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-21342141701487623362010-11-10T20:10:00.002-08:002010-11-10T20:27:06.184-08:00Loose ChangeWith only hours left to our stay in Tokyo, I was anxious to spend down the extra change in my coin purse-- it's heavy, it's worth a fair amount and I don't see any reason to save it; Japan is not one of my regular runs.<br /><br />I went to the fancy supermarket next door to the InterContinental ANA Tokyo hotel and bought two bags of thinly sliced garlic (262Y per bag-- one for me and one for my son & daughter-in-law) and a box of Mere Poulard cookies, my favorite French butter cookie. When I paid, from the coin purse, I did not feel relieved enough... so headed next door to Starbucks.<br /><br />I bought Sarah a small Latte and me a small Mocha for another 700 yen, total. All in all, I spent about 1400 Y (just under $20) that was 'free' because I had the spare change. And they say you can't find anything affordable in Japan!<br /><br />We had spent the morning at Tokyu Hands in Shibuya-- the flagship store and in my opinion much better than the newer store in Shinjuku at Takashimya Square. They are adding on yet another building, so there is reason to return. Before heading out, we did a search for Freshness Burger, our newest Japanese obsession, and found one 1/2 a block from Tokyu Hands-- how's that for karma? We rpinted out the map before we left the hotel.<br /><br />For the uninitiated, Tokyu Hands is a type of department store that carries everything -- but specializes in crafts and DIY, and tsotchkes. Because the main store is created from several adjoined buildings, there are half floors, which makes the walk down so much fun. You can take the elevator to the top and then work your way around and down like in a funnel of fun shopping. <br /><br />I did not buy the Hello Kitty pouch for MP3 player with built in speakers, but did buy up a lot of rabbit stickers for the new year (will be the Year of the Rabbit, duh). Left off the bath salts because I swear they cost less in Hong Kong...although I was wrong about the little camera I almost yesterday. I figured it would cost less on Amazon, but was wrong. Oh well. Much of the merchandise in Japan is imported and therefore outrageously expensive. I've had this theory that even Japanese products will be cheaper elsewhere, although I guessed wrong on the Sony Cypershot.<br /><br />The taxi from Shibuya back to the hotel in Akasaka was over $25 -- more than lunch for three people. Taxi fares have been the biggest budget killer on this trip. The subway system is excellent, but takes so much energy that I don't like to use it for shopping trips. There's also a fair amount of dfficulty if you are changing lines as the subway lines are owned by different companies and your next ticket may or may not be compatble with the first.<br /><br />We fly to Hong Kong tonight on Delta; have researched the luggage allowance online and discovered that we get three bags up to 70 pounds each. That way I can pack up all the ramen noodles I brought from the USA and havent touched. I am leaving behind the half bag of marshmellows that we needed for our group's Japanese Game Show simulation.<br /><br />In fact most of the group has packed up and moed on, returning to the US today. A few will go on to Hong Kong with a day trip tomorrow to Shenzhen, PRC. Then we can talk about prices!SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-33134336459950118932010-11-10T20:10:00.001-08:002010-11-10T20:10:34.594-08:00Kyoto Protocolscoming soonSuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-43224137627921984982010-11-09T20:19:00.000-08:002010-11-09T20:20:48.386-08:00Back in TokyoAfter three fabulous days (and nights) in Kyoto we are back in Tokyo and I have Internet access again -- off to Hong Kong tomorrow but more infos soon.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-42191179658388917722010-11-05T22:36:00.000-07:002010-11-21T16:12:09.118-08:00Tokyo Weekends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ks6iiVhk653wYJhEwGPd0yMw8zA2HANdArvt4CqpQvDvA3vizJox9tjG9Io8JRC3cGS12Uxt0eilMIDsde06HaL1qE9dkhrZoxTp8mgUoKeru3PqT0DFICGoz01VCzXuoPdOlfo02dU/s1600/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ks6iiVhk653wYJhEwGPd0yMw8zA2HANdArvt4CqpQvDvA3vizJox9tjG9Io8JRC3cGS12Uxt0eilMIDsde06HaL1qE9dkhrZoxTp8mgUoKeru3PqT0DFICGoz01VCzXuoPdOlfo02dU/s400/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+126.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542160159879115330" /></a><br />Hard to believe we've been in Japan for well over a week -- and my Japanese is not getting any better. Today I had western food for the first time in the entire trip; unless an apple counts. Or a Coke...<br /><br />The bad weather is over, it's hot (high 60's) and sunny and our group tour began Thursday night and has marched at a rapid pace leaving little time to do anything but collapse come afternoon or evening. Tonight we will all meet in the hotel Club Lounge with a picnic dinner from the food court at Mitsokoshi.<br /><br />Last night I discovered the two massage chairs hidden in a corner of the Club Lounge and can't wait to return for a kneading. We are re-packing as tomorrow we will go to Kyoto at mid-day and then continue with out Born to Shop tour.<br /><br />Most of our money has gone for taxis-- yesterday the fare from Ueno to our hotel in Akasaka was $45. We went to the newish Yodabashi store in Akihabara and went wild-- the store carries everything from electronics to makeup, with a huge kids' toy area. We stopped at Love, Merci (once my favorite adult entertainment store) but we were not impressed and left for Yodabashi, passing the girls outside on the curb in their maid outfits handing out brochures. I guess business is bad these days as everyone is cutting back.<br /><br />We then whizzed one stop on the subway to Ueno for the street market and the 100 yen shop, which everyone loved. Mymotto has always been Ueno is Bueno. When Sarah and I checked it out a few days ago, we were not impressed-- but it was 10AM when we went. For yesterday's visit, at 3PM, things were bustling and it was ever so much fun. We ate chestnuts from a vendor in the street and gawked at the stalls selling Chanel makeup for USA prices-- could it be real?<br /><br />Tomorrow we go to my favorite 100 yen store, Daiso in Harajuku. The Harajuku flea market has stopped operatingm but we'll be happy with the dollar store...where evrything now costs one dollar twenty.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-91226229457943335602010-11-03T15:41:00.000-07:002010-11-03T16:04:13.646-07:00Moving Day in TokyoDawn again in Tokyo -- i wish I could sleep so this must be jetlag still. Another fabulous breakfast from room service at The Pen-- sublime French toast. We stuffed ourselves and will soon get organized to make our way back to the IC ANA and real life. Soon i must decide if i will dance under the rainforest showerhead in the shower stall, or soak in the giant tub that has TV controls built alongside the wall and a natural stone chimney which is actually the water pipe, delivering water right into te tub with a neat slosh.<br /><br /> The towels here are the largest and deepest pile of any we have tested. In the historical novels I read to learn Japanese culture and history I am learning that the country is famous for small towels. Peninsula has turned the world upside down.<br /><br /> We had a small party last night in our room -- we were expecting ten, but they never showed, so we were four: me and Sarah as well as Simon Johnson and his wife Reiko. Simon is my mentor's son and has lived in Tokyo for 18 years; I was at his wedding reception in Paris some ten years ago -- hard to imagine. It is a wonderful thing when your girlfriends have grown children whom you can enjoy and befriend as well as stare at for genetic similarities.<br /><br /> We were to all eat under the tracks at the famed (and inexpesive) yakatori stalls that few tourists visit, but when the rest of the group didn't show, we went for a more elaborate yakatori eatery in the same area-- although this one required Reiko to translate and query whether we wanted mini-kebabs of chicken hearts, livers and/or gizzards. (No thank you.) We had hot sake, some rice dishes in fish broth-- one with chopped up sour plums and the other with extra seaweed.<br /><br /> I love the somewhat tatty side street along the tracks, the dozens of little cafes and outdoor stalls and the banners and signs and the energy of the streets of Tokyo. I also like that it's all in the shadow of The Peninsula Hotel, so that you can feel and enjoy these contrasts of the town.<br /><br /> We had already planned the after yakatori-dessert party in our room -- Sarah had gone to much trouble as hostess to get goodies from the Pen's bakery and get room service to provide wine glasses. I had bought two bottles of Plum Wine so we could have a Pepsi challenge and blind tasting. Indeed, one more glass and i would have been blind. Plum wine is one of my weaknesses. Choya is my brand.<br /><br /> Without extra guests, it became a family night == we got to dish the elections, the town's architecture and residential 'hoods in Tokyo and then used the Skype phone to call Simon's mother in Paris. We sent the younger generation home with fresh and perfect persimmons (from the hotel General Manager) nand several Peninsula pastries (from Sarah), allgoodies wrapped in their individual cello packs. <br /><br /> They left us wth the glow that part of the wonder of travel is when you know people in a foreign city and they boost you up and stand by with offers to help.<br /><br /> Now we will soon move to the InterConti ANA and be the people our friends know in a strange and wonderful town.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-55064289122587357542010-11-02T16:17:00.000-07:002010-11-21T16:18:56.670-08:00Sunny Day in Edo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EYCrv9jM3YpStxxKDUGSgs05qpKUo0Rwkj6a0fH32HIRAXR9e69EG0vATKP-oLWGUra9dSYDqiQBtL06lkWJofQDwxmGfzIRRqF8hTKS5u5LS9MuciL-7xPbu58yLgIBLxt7PPcWH-M/s1600/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EYCrv9jM3YpStxxKDUGSgs05qpKUo0Rwkj6a0fH32HIRAXR9e69EG0vATKP-oLWGUra9dSYDqiQBtL06lkWJofQDwxmGfzIRRqF8hTKS5u5LS9MuciL-7xPbu58yLgIBLxt7PPcWH-M/s400/fall+2010-japan-sarah+vines-mill+valley+157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542161934816958194" /></a><br />It was marvelous to fall asleep with eyes half open to the Tokyo skyline, looking much like NYC, to hear election prattle on CNN and to drift asleep in the best of Peninsula's beds with softest duvet. Woke early to order a true breakfast from room service.<br /><br />Going to the toilet in the middle of the night was tricky, as I forgot that this Toto opens its' lid for you on approach...frightening in middle of night. Alas, it does not flush itself.<br /><br />We are off to run more practice trials for our tour group -- to Ueno, Akiabara, etc. Tommorrow we'll do Harajuku preview befor heading back to the realities of Akasaka and the InterConti.<br /><br />Being in The Pen teaches you the value of your big bucks-- there is no way to put a value on the luxury, the glamour of the other guests, the location, the ability of the staff to speak English and to synthesize your questions and respond helpfully. When we checked in, I hobbled on my cane. The bellboy took me to a seat in the check in area than took my place in line so I could sit. When our turn came, he brought me to the desk. Now that's training.<br /><br />It was worth the price of admission just to stare at the other guests when we arrived-- a young man in early 0's, gai-in, with leather backpack and Don Johnson good looks, a casual elegance of money and style as if he was doing business here and would never go to the real world outside this hotel.<br /><br />This Tokyo -- near Ginza and Chanel and the heart of the money land-- is so different from other parts of town and yet so exciting and important to see and experience. If you have only one life to live, or only a few nights in Tokyo, this is the place to be. But maybe come next week, when more of the leaves in the trees across the moat will be in fall colors.<br /><br />It's only 8:30 AM and we have no place to go-- most stores open at 11AM, depatos at 10AM. If you get to Ueno too early, the stores and stalls will be closed. So we will watch Anderson Cooper and the USA election projections and save our strength for a new assault on a new day in Japan. Obiously we must search for a Moshi ice-cream stand-- Moshi is a brand with distribution in the U.S. that sells ice cream donuts (better than bagels for breakfast). They have over a dozen flavors (better than Starbucks)-- you let the frozen ice cream donut thaw for a few seconds, then bite into it. This alone is worth the price of airfare to Tokyo and a few nights in The Pen.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-73165130873169141312010-11-02T00:58:00.000-07:002010-11-02T01:08:26.978-07:00OMGThe morning was spent researching Kyoto sights for possible inclusion in our tour (forget the Textile Center-- a major TT) and then we arrived at the station for the extra-fast train (nozumi) back to Tokyo. I cannot be the only person to note that Kyoto and Tokyo are the same letters in different orders and have similar kanji...nonetheless, we were not lost and easily got on the train and then into a taxi to The Peninsula Hotel. <br /><br />I was concerned about actually getting to the hotel because we do not have a taxi card or an address in Japanese, but the taxi driver understood and knew The Pen. Amen.<br /><br />A new-build, and open for only about two years, the Pen here is modern and more gorgeous than any art gallery. We just looked at each other and mouthed OMG...we seem to be in a different Tokyo than the one we left behind.<br /><br />We have a junior suite overlooking the gardens of the Imperial Palace. We are just a few hundred yards from the famed railroad tracks so we had yakatori -- bento boxes on the train were duds-- and then checked out BIC Camera, the local version of Best Buy and then went in search of Frank Lloyd Wright who is, according to WIkipedia, in a museum and not much even in spirit in the famous Imperial Hotel.<br /><br />The stroll along the tracks between The Pen and The Imperial is a visual and emotional treat. It's really Tokyo in all the contrasts you want to see-- gorgeous chic women and dives for chicken on a stick, banners flapping.<br /><br />We stopped at 7-Eleven to buy Coke Zero for our room, but returned to find the General Manager had left a bottle of a 2004 Bordeaux in the room. That will take the edge off the travel weariness and go great with the spaghetti from room service. OMG indeed.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-30318558900938895412010-11-01T01:35:00.000-07:002010-11-01T02:04:17.672-07:00Japanese Hotel Dreams<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ6j3FnAP8XZi-SKIQS94Pf3sSaAk_5Fzd3QbFhwbfNoUIzfq-uhLa59QhiSgNTlUEAkVhY3yBNMhAE7Li7ZDUqqArhpc6zRRh0NiELoaraiJhy33VMZDKp5bwUH5KtAV2hL0fG7eQvM/s1600/blog+okura+foto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ6j3FnAP8XZi-SKIQS94Pf3sSaAk_5Fzd3QbFhwbfNoUIzfq-uhLa59QhiSgNTlUEAkVhY3yBNMhAE7Li7ZDUqqArhpc6zRRh0NiELoaraiJhy33VMZDKp5bwUH5KtAV2hL0fG7eQvM/s400/blog+okura+foto.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534504102353902322" /></a><br />As we finish up one just about perfect day in Kyoto, yet dream of our return to Tokyo tomorrow to test out the newish Peninsula Hotel, we reflect on the good and odd things about the hotels we have already met:<br />InterConti ANA, Tokyo:<br />* first stop on the shuttle bus from Narita (like);<br />* fabulous heated toilets (ditto);<br />* excellent personel and buffet at Club Lounge (amen);<br />* smallish rooms;<br />* nasty check in at front desk on 2F;<br />* worst exchange rate in world;<br />* free wifi in Club Floor rooms;<br />* Starbucks nearby;<br />* marvelous gourmet supermarket a few doors away.<br />Okura Kyoto:<br />* excellent location amidst shopping;<br />* great shopping in basement 2 level subway station arcade;<br />* must pay for water in room as well as instant coffee or tea;<br />* wonderful exchange rate, all things considered;<br />* walking distance to Starbucks;<br />* difficult to manipulate TV for English language, moshi-moshi;<br />* free wifi in room (like)!<br />* breakfast not included-- no lounge floor or special amenities. Stunning breakfast buffet offered atop hotel with great view of Kyoto at $36 per person, USD. Secret bakery with great croissants in sub-basement 2.<br /><br />On to The Pen, always our favorite mantra.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-80580667687805808972010-10-31T23:42:00.001-07:002010-11-01T02:10:02.703-07:00Sunny after Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4-IcTVgJ6ialwC3FxYcGPUHj1osDYCD1goa7NlUBCKUnMz088rgmF88cTTtWL8JaVAaQAXZCNtmi7qfre__q30dWgv38lTj4Lwkwu3mcaFvIlgKz1Cn9ByespZ89et-IAwCxfTrL6uI/s1600/kyoto+beauty+shot.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4-IcTVgJ6ialwC3FxYcGPUHj1osDYCD1goa7NlUBCKUnMz088rgmF88cTTtWL8JaVAaQAXZCNtmi7qfre__q30dWgv38lTj4Lwkwu3mcaFvIlgKz1Cn9ByespZ89et-IAwCxfTrL6uI/s400/kyoto+beauty+shot.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534506010331065506" /></a><br />The rain has stopped<br />the sun is out;<br />some autumn leaves,<br />not many.<br />the rate of exchange here is 77.<br /><br />your turnSuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-59754005849075174662010-10-31T16:03:00.000-07:002010-10-31T16:07:19.887-07:00Money RatesWe arrived in Tokyo on a Friday arround dinner time and barely made it to bed; no banks open then or Saturday. Soooo we were forced to change money in hotels automatic changer machine created to piss off Benjamin Franklin with huge insults (69.3) Yuck-- but we had no other choices.<br />Arrive hotel in Kyoto on Sunday, had to use their rate too, but yippee, they are sane people here and we got 77. That is a huge difference, as these things so.<br /><br />Moral of the story, do not change money at 60 if you can get 75.<br /><br />Even transaction fees on bank cards have to be better than the spread used at the InterConti!<br /><br />Now we head off into the rain to wet our money on taxi fares. The average taxi price is $15 to a nearby location and $25 to something more elaborate--SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714417332335626792.post-31085899384040841442010-10-31T01:58:00.000-07:002010-10-31T16:47:27.143-07:00Bullet Train to Kyoto<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pgHsldBYhVoX6ufXoUy62-59HTcguMT3FJkjGKvYDRpNHXXRJfq3lddP6a8K7n0rm__897adSv7P0TSAV9fC-tI-bhAIwjDSo1GjSCvtHoSZEWKISZ2QJksSQrH8NLm55BUZtVemVfQ/s1600/suzy+on+the+train.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pgHsldBYhVoX6ufXoUy62-59HTcguMT3FJkjGKvYDRpNHXXRJfq3lddP6a8K7n0rm__897adSv7P0TSAV9fC-tI-bhAIwjDSo1GjSCvtHoSZEWKISZ2QJksSQrH8NLm55BUZtVemVfQ/s400/suzy+on+the+train.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534360922523725538" /></a><br />Perhaps I am jaded after ten years of living in France, but the famous Shinkansen, bullet train of Japan, seems no different from the TGV. I must admit that the getting the tickets and onto the train business was shockingly easy.<br /><br /> Things can go wrong any where, of course. I am reminded of a wonderful story about Calvin Klein getting on a train in Germany for Monte Carlo and taking the one marked Monaco which is Munich, or something like that--<br /><br /> Anyway, the taxi took us from the InterConti ANA straight away to Tokyo Station which is under reconstruction and therefore less than charming. We went in via the East (Yaesu) Central Entrance, followed the sign in English for tickets, bought them on the spot from someone who spoke perfect English ($150 per person each way)and allowed ourselves 50 minutes to poke around the station and explore what they call First Avenue, the basement level shopping and easting district.<br /><br /> While there is much going on in and around Tokyo Station, it is too much for any one brain to contemplate--especially on a Sunday. Travellers swarmed around us, so we dove underground to the delightful arcade with shops and munchies, vending machines and wonderful smells of fresh cooked something or another. (Don't ask, don't tell.)<br /><br /> Since gift giving is part of the Japanese culture, there were many gift shops with the usual beautiful boxes of cookies and candies as well as much Hello Kitty merchandise. I found some very cute mice cookies (honest) that I will buy for the man who set the mousetraps at my home in Paso, but for now-- I didn't want the burden of extra weight. Still, it was all great fun, although schlepping even a single rolly was a pain. I had a Harajuku Lovers back-pack as carry-on and Sarah wished she too had a back-pack, I wished I'd had a mule train, but that's just me. The station was incredibly hot, so we also had to carry our coats. And shortly after arrival, I was carrying extra shopping bags.<br /><br /> We went to Gate 14 about 15 minutes before our train and sat the the Cafe du Gare which made us gleeful, then took the escalator up to the platform and saw that we were exactly at the spot to line up for Car 6. Everything was well-marked and easy as pie. In France, you have to know to use the train chart and must also know the alphabet in order to find where to stand. In Tokyo, it was forthright and easy.<br /><br /> The tickets were printed in English & Japanese therefore easy to read. We took our seats and pulled out our Kindles. Midway, I dared to try the toilet-- quite relieved to be relieved on discovering it was indeed western style, though not from Toto and not heated.<br /><br /> We passed through beautiful countryside and mountains and paddies and even saw the sea once past Yokohama. We got out at Kyoto Station and immediately fell into one of the retail stores in the station -- it was so cute and so crammed with attractive merchandise that we needed and gained a quick fix. <br /><br /> There was no line for a taxi, so we hoped into a cab and I told the driver our hotel in Japanese. He had no idea what I was saying, but understood Sarah's English just fine.<br /><br /> We drove through beautiful downtown Kyoto -- not a Starbucks in sight-- and ended up at the Okura Hotel, in prme location for shopping --although a little too far from the Gion district for walking...especially when it's pissing rain and you are half crippled. Then we saw the bride in her white kimono and peaked headress and knew it was an auspicious day indeed.SuzyKG, Shopping Goddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02987268749200703259noreply@blogger.com1