istanbullsh*t: my number one gripe with cruising

Maybe I’m spoiled…but I just can’t get on board with this whole cruise thing (no pun…okay a little bit of a pun). Maybe I just don’t know how to cruise correctly. I don’t know. This has nothing to do with the actual cruise product because Crystal Cruises is the creme de la creme in the industry. This is sailing in true luxury. The food is superb, my stateroom is beautiful, all balconies face the ocean, the gym is 24 hours. It’s just done right. My issue lies with the amount of time that cruise ships spend in port.

When I was growing up we would take vacations that got us in in with the locals. It was boutique hotels or rental houses with kitchens so we could shop at the local markets and eat what the people ate. I’ve road tripped, backpacked and trained across most of Europe. I’ve taken a nine-hour public bus from Mexico City to Zihuatanejo. I’ve hiked and camped in the Andes. So when it comes to cruising, eight hours in a port of call does not cut it for me.

Yesterday I had all of four hours to see Istanbul. Istanbul! This city has been on my list for years! (To be fair, most international destinations are on my list…but whatever.) And how did I see it? Following a tour guide holding up a big goofy sign. And what did I see? Sure, I saw the Blue Mosque (which, by the way, is only known to locals as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque), and the Hagia Sofia (it’s typically closed Mondays but Crystal Cruises paid for a private entrance – that’s pretty cool). But…that was all I saw. No spice market, no grand bazaar, no kebabs, no secret underground late-night belly dancing clubs (I was most bummed about this part). I just want more!

So here’s what I walked way from Istanbul with:

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616. Istanbul is home to thousands of mosques, but the Blue Mosque is the most unique because of its six minaret towers. It is affectionately known to tourists as the Blue Mosque because it is decorated with thousands of blue tiles. Turkey is predominantly a Muslim country, and all its people are called to prayer five times daily. During prayer time the Mosque closes, but when it is open it welcomes thousands. You are required to remove your shoes and all shoulders and legs must be covered.

Hagia Sofia is an ancient church that was built in the 6th century. It was later converted into a Mosque and today serves solely as a museum. Its dome rises almost 200 feet above the ground and is entirely covered in Byzantine mosaics.

Turkey is a country of two continents. Only 3 percent of the country is in Europe, and the rest sits in Asia. The two sides of the country are split up by the Bosphorus, which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. The Bosphorus runs directly through Istanbul, so when staying in the city it is possible to party in Europe one night and in Asia the next…not that I would know, seeing as I missed out on all the wilding.

Today we are en route to Mykonos, Greece…where I’m sure I’ll have just enough time to run off the boat, eat something Greek and wave good bye.

Note: Due to the fact that tomorrow is the 4th of July, and I doubt that any of you will be reading this on your day off, we’ll postpone Name that Skyline! until next Wednesday. Happy Independence Day! Go do something stupid that Washington and Jefferson would frown upon.

ode to a travel writer: do you really want this job?

I’d like to clear up a few misconceptions that people have on the glamorous lives of travel writers. Contrary to popular belief, life is not one big vacation. When you, reader, go on vacation, no doubt the worst part of the whole experience is the airport. However, at the end of that tunnel, you have a beautiful hotel, no schedule to keep but your own, and usually about a week in which to enjoy your destination.

Travel writers, on the other hand, spend the majority of their time in airports only to get to a destination, follow someone else’s itinerary and turn around to come home in about four days…only to have just enough time to recover, see some friends and get back on a plane to do it all over again. Allow me an example:

Saturday, at approximately 4 p.m. I checked into JFK at the SWISS counter, only to find that I had been granted access to the Business Lounge. What a nice little start to my press trip, I thought. But airports are fickle mistresses. They can seduce you with complimentary cocktails one minute, and the next tear your heart out and leave you for dead sitting on the tarmac like a shmo…which is exactly what happened.

Our aircraft took off down the runway for an ON TIME departure, only after the captain had announced that we’d be getting into Zurich early. The plane sped up, cocking itself at that slight angle before its wheels lift into the air, when suddenly it jolted back to 180 degrees, our bodies thrust forward as the captain slammed on the brakes….So that’s what those flimsy seat belts are for.

“Folks, we’ve had to abort our takeoff due to the failure of one of our engines.”

And so began a two-hour saga while we waited for maintenance to find a staircase so that they could actually get onto the plane to check it out. And even after that, it was discovered that there was no problem with the engine at all. The signal light was broken. So to the back of the taxi line we went, only to take off three hours late.

Of course, I missed my connection in Zurich and so I had to wait on the transfer line, only to miss the next flight to Istanbul. After I eventually did get rebooked, that flight was delayed due to thunderstorms.

Cut to the next scene: Me on a flight to Istanbul with a French child behind me kicking my seat with the force of some kind of small horse, while her mother screeched, “Arrêt!!!” for three hours. Seriously. This is how I commute to work. The normal employee may sit in traffic for an hour, get jostled on a subway, or what have you. This is how a travel writer commutes.

Atatürk International Airport in Istanbul is a shit show. There really is no other way to describe it. I was told that cruise passengers do not need a visa to enter Turkey. That is a lie. Do not attempt to stand on the immigration line without a visa, even if you are a cruise passenger. (I’m attending the Crystal Cruises’ 22nd Annual Sales Gala this week, if you are interested.) Oh, and FYI, the line to purchase a visa can give the Great Wall of China a run for its money in terms of length. Visas into Turkey cost approximately $20, and no, they do not accept Turkish Lira…in Turkey…to buy a Turkish visa. There are ATMs, however, that dole out cash in dollars and euro. But folks, let’s remember that travel writers are still writers. Making writers’ salaries. And unless you’re a former president or JK Rowling, writers’ salaries ain’t much. No worries, though. Visas are $20, and I had $36 in my checking account.

Hello, Istanbul. Twenty-four hours later. No joke. I looked down at my feet in horror as I saw they had swollen to the size of giant hams, and my toes looked like little cocktail weiners stuck into their sides. My ankles had been swallowed by my calves. At a certain point I also realized that that thing I was smelling was me. How’s that for jetsetting glamor?

Now I sit on a cruise ship and will have four hours to take in Istanbul before we ship off to our next destination. Not so much with the cultural immersion when on a cruise. (And this is a conference…so any free time you would normally have is eaten up with interviews, general sessions and sales presentations.)

Look – don’t get me wrong. I love my job. This is the life I chose, and for every 50 horrific issues, there’s that occasional private jet, epic meal or spa treatment. I love this lifestyle, but it is NOT for everyone. So the next time you meet a travel writer and say to them, “I wish I had your job,” really think about it. Do you? It’s lonely, it’s exhausting, it’s hectic and it will make you want to scream 80 percent of the time. That other 20 percent, however, is the reason why this is the only job I will ever have.

summer of fun 2012

With Memorial Day Weekend fast-approaching, it is time to formally introduce the Summer of Fun 2012 list. For those of you unfamiliar with Summer of Fun, it is that time in New York when we go out and explore just why this is arguably the best city in the world (and we also go out in search of justification for the ridiculous rent prices we all pay to be here).

Summer of Fun officially kicks off Wednesday, May 30, with Manhattanhenge and will run through Labor Day.

So for those of you looking for things to do in NYC this summer, here is what I will (be attempting to) do and report back on. Feel free to join in on the journey.

Manhattanhenge, May 29/30, when the sunset aligns with NYC’s grid.

2nd Annual Summer Spit BBQ, June 3, Studio Square, Astoria. Join Chef David Burke and brewmaster Jim Koch on June 3 for a day full of unlimited pork goodness and Sam Adams on tap. The event is held at Astoria’s Studio Square, 36th Street between 35th and 36th avenues.

Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival. Celebrate the Blues downtown at the World Financial Center’s waterfront Plaza as new stars join great legends for a two-day musical tribute to the history and continuing legacy of the Blues on July 11 – 12, 2012.

NYC’s Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Head out to Flushing Meadows Park (for free!) for a weekend full of ornately decorated dragon boats racing up and down the river, much like is done in China and Hong Kong.

Jazz Lawn Party. Step back to the Roaring 20s this summer during the 7th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. Held June 16 and 17, and August 18 and 19, Governor’s Island transforms to a scene right out of the Great Gatsby, complete with period games, music and food.

The Color Run, August 25-26. Join fellow New Yorkers for a rainbow of a 5k. Each kilometer of the event is associated with a designated color. 1k is yellow, 2k is blue, 3k is green, 4k is pink, and the 5k finish is a “Color Extravaganza.” As the runners/walkers hit the Kilometer COLOR RUN Zones, they will be blitzed by volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR.

Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, Astoria. Many have tried, many have failed. To house a beer garden in a major metropolis is not an easy feat. However, the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens has withstood the test of time and continues to be the number one spot for outdoor German imbibing.

Blues on Bleeker Street. The blues halls on Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village are reminiscent of a Memphis nightscape. Wander in and out of bars along the street and take in the soulful sounds and a few bottles of suds.

The Staten Island Ferry. Ahh, New York’s “other” borough. Whether you approve of it or not, Staten Island is a very real part of New York. You want your Italian gravy at 2 p.m. on a Sunday, or a quick ride into Bayonne, NJ? Staten Island is meant to be experienced.

Little Brazil. W 46th Street in New York is home to Little Brazil, one of the smaller ethnic neighborhoods in NYC, but no less vibrant. Wander down this street for your own little taste of Rio and Sao Paulo.

Brooklyn Cyclones. Sure, it’s not the Majors, but Minor League baseball promotes conversation! Head out to Coney Island’s MCU Park to represent Brooklyn’s finest!

Rooftop Films. Where can you catch a good flick this summer? Up on the roof, of course. During the summer months, New York City’s rooftops light up with movie screens as tons of hipsters head up for some city cinematics.

City Island. Just off the coast of…the Bronx…sits a sleepy little fisherman’s island, right here in our own city. Head to City Island for a break from the buzz and some freaking fresh seafood.

Brennan & Carr. Who doesn’t love hot beef? I know I do. And yes, that is what she said. This Sheepshead Bay establishment serves up hot roast beef dipped three ways. I really don’t know how else to convince you.

Roosevelt Island. Smack dab in the East River, Roosevelt Island (formerly known as Welfare Island), is steeped in history and killer views of New York. AND…you can walk there from Astoria, so you know I’m hooked.

Apotheke. Ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top 100 bars in the world, Apotheke is an off-the-beaten-path gem on Doyers Street in Chinatown. If you do happen to find it, you’ll discover crazy cocktails, a luxe lounge scene, and a surprisingly good playlist.

The Smoke Joint. Located in Fort Greene, The Smoke Joint is a BBQ haven that you won’t want to miss. Why? This is New York BBQ. What? Yeah you’re intrigued. So you should check it out. 87 South Elliot Place.

Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos. Perhaps you didn’t know this about me, but I am obsessed with all things Anthony Bourdain. On an episode of No Reservations, the legend himself visited New York’s outerboroughs, notably this mom-and-pop taco shop in Bushwick. It’s the real deal.

The Pickle Guys. A pickle emporium on the Lower East Side. What says summer like a pickled vegetable in Tompkins Square Park? Not much, I say. Not much at all.

The Frick Collection. The Frick Collection is a compilation of European paintings, sculptures, porcelain and furniture. It’s just one of those museums in New York that you should really see.

Broad Channel. This random little beach community in Queens is a collection of waterways and bridges – it is one of New York’s more laid back communities, and a must-see for all nautical fans.

Eataly. Yeah…really late to this party. But I’ve never been. I hear it is overpriced and overhyped, but I like food and I like the idea of eating lots of different kinds of it in one location. Bring it on, Batali.

Sunrise at Coney Island. What better way to end a debaucherous night out in New York with a subway ride all the way out to Coney Island to catch the sunrise? Take the N/Q line all the way to the end and stroll along the boardwalk to catch the magic moment. Do me a favor and don’t go alone, okay? I don’t need to hear any horror stories. Be smart, people.

The Campbell Apartment. Located in Grand Central Terminal, this once-office of a 1920s’ mogul serves up classic cocktails in a dimly lit, borderline kitschy setting.

pdt. This is just a personal vendetta. pdt (short for Please Don’t Tell) is a speakeasy in the back of New York’s famed hotdog joint, Crif Dogs. I was denied entry to this exclusive backroom, so I will make it a personal goal this summer to get back. But for those of you without a hatchet to bury, it’s still pretty cool. Mixologists concoct magical elixirs while you gobble up hotdogs with weird toppings. You don’t have to be completely sold, but you will be. Oh, you will be.

Porchetta. Porchetta isn’t new, but this little hole-in-the-wall on E 7th Street in the East Village recently obtained its beer/wine license. ABOUT TIME. What could be better than a succulent porchetta sandwich and a glass of red wine? If you haven’t been, this is the time to go.

5Pointz Graffiti. Have you ever ridden the 7 train? I mean past Grand Central and all the way into Queens. Have you? If you have, you’ve passed by a giant warehouse plastered in vibrant graffiti art. This is 5Pointz Graffiti, and it is a real thing. Tours are offered weekly where you can learn the stories behind the art and see the artists in action.

Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club. Sand, fire pits, beers on tap and skyline views. Nothing sounds more like summer in New York. Oh, and it’s open at noon every day. Accessible by the A, C, J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 at Fulton Street. The Beekman Beer Garden is located at Beekman Street and South Street on the north side of Pier 17.

Red Hook Food Vendors. Purveyors from all across Latin America gather in Brooklyn’s Red Hook to serve up local delicacies. Oh yeha, and people play soccer. Soccer and a papusa. That sounds lovely. Corner of Bay and Clinton St. Brooklyn, NY Subway: F & G to Smith-9 Streets

Beauty & Essex. Hidden behind a door at an obscure pawn shop on the Lower East Side sits this ultra-chic cocktail bar and restaurant. It’s pretty gimmicky and quite expensive, but it is definitely a place to see some A-listers and feel fancy for an evening.

Fox & Jane. This one may be just for the ladies (and if gentlemen are interested, that’s cool. I don’t judge). This Lower East Side salon and finishing “bar” is a full service salon with alcoholic incentive. 154 Orchard Street, Store B New York, NY 10002.

Parm. Parm: breaded meat (or eggplant), doused in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Essentially, heaven. And when you put it on a roll…I don’t even know if there’s a word for that kind of euphoria. Parm at 248 Mulberry Street can make parm out of anything. Anything. Have I said enough?

The Odeon. Tribeca’s The Odeon is an institution for brunch. (By the way, brunch is a religious experience in New York. We don’t f*ck around.) If you can manage to drag your bones out of bed before 3 p.m., head down to The Odeon to settle your stomach and soul.

Museum of Sex. I’m not sure if this really needs elaboration. It’s a museum of sex. That must appeal to some of you. 233 Fifth Avenue.

Home Sweet Home. Head to this bar on Friday nights for some kind of retro/90s sock hop. Head to 131 Chrystie Street between Delancey and Broome. There is dancing every other night, as well. But something intrigues me about a retro sock hop.

Rocks Off Concert Cruise. The Rocks Off Concert Cruise series is a three-hour booze cruise around Manhattan featuring live music and alcohol. There’s a Pearl Jam cover band schedule for this summer. Enough said.

Russian and Turkish Baths. In operation is 1892, the Russian & Turkish baths on E 10th Street have been mellowing out New Yorkers. The facilities have been newly renovated and include a Russian sauna, ice pool, Swedish shower, Turkish room and other intriguing therapeutic things.

L.I.C. Bar. L.I.C. Bar, in Long Island City, has a 100-year history and a hot summer scene. I suggest checking out this watering hole on Wednesday evenings when dogs are welcome and the backyard opens up into a barbecue bash.

Skydive the Ranch. About an hour and a half outside of New York in Gardiner, New York is Skydive the Ranch, a tandem skydive facility where….people jump out of planes with parachutes strapped to them.

Scott’s Pizza Tour. Put your feet to the pavement and check out some of New York City’s most famous pizzerias. You can also do a tour by bus, but that just seems ridiculously lazy. Walking tours are approximately $35.

Flushing, Queens’ Korean Scene. Flushing, Queens (last stop on the 7 train) is an emporium of authentic Korean restaurants. Take the train, take the day, wander around and Korea yourself.

Governor’s Island. Take the ferry to this island off Manhattan’s southern tip. Rent bikes, explore the bar scene or lay out in the sun and enjoy some piece and quiet away from the mainland.

Harlem Week. What once began in 1974 as “Harlem Day” has been expanded into a week-long tribute to all that makes Harlem fascinating and fantastic. We’re a little early on this so the dates haven’t been finalized, but we’ll get back to you.

Sandy Hook Beach. This seven-mile stretch of beach in New Jersey is a lovely way to escape for an afternoon. The Jersey Shore bound ferry will sail you through New York Harbor where you can view Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, Fort Wadsworth Lighthouse, The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Hoffman Island, Swinburne Island, West Bank Lighthouse, and Romer Shoal Lighthouse.

The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop. This overt ice cream parlor has garnered quite a reputation for itself as being big, gay and delicious. The lines speak for itself. Note: This is on the same block as Porchetta. See where I’m going with this?

Jane’s Carousel. According to the website, “Jane’s Carousel was created in 1922, the heyday of the American Carousel, by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (P.T.C.). Designated as P.T.C. No. 61, it was originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, then a prosperous steel-making city. The Carousel has been fully restored back to it’s original elegance.” I don’t know…it’s an historic carousel in a glass case on the East River. Get on board.

Astoria’s Little Egypt. Hookah houses and Egyptian restaurants flank Astoria’s historic Steinway Street. Sit al fresco smoking on some hookah pipes, drinking Arabic tea and eating some very, very weird things.

Strawberry Fields. Bring your camera, your ipod and your favorite herbal refreshment and watch the freaks pay homage to the Beatles at this iconic New York tourist trap.

K-town Karaoke. New York’s Koreatown (E 32 Street) is home to a bevy of late-night karaoke parlors. If you have the burning urge to sing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” at 3 a.m., this is probably where you should go to do so.

New York lightning storm. This item is a bit dependent on New York’s weather, but typically in the summer the humidity and other…meteorological factors…create these wickedly intense rain and lightning storms (ask a weatherman for details. I’m a writer.). Don’t miss out on these spectacular natural events. Take a walk in it, revel in it. Stop by the river and watch the sky crack with the white fire. Just don’t carry any metal on you or go swimming. Live on the wild side.

caribbean dispatch: too much of a good thing

I’ll give you one good thing about cruises: the access to free drunk food is amazing. I spent much of yesterday cursing the day as I went down the laundry list of alcohol I consumed the night before, the likes of which included champagne, martinis and scotch. (Yes, apparently I turned into a high society booze hound on Monday night.) But this stream of poor decisions led me to see the light about cruising: all-you-can-eat pizza is….perfection.

Okay, so maybe I’m going overboard (no pun), but when you are stumbling back to your room after partying with fellow media (because those dudes can hold their own), and you see a man holding a piping hot pizza, cheese glistening with grease, and he says that it is free and unlimited…well…let’s just say good thing I’m not single.

So maybe cruising isn’t exactly for me, but at least with Oasis of the Seas, for whom they cater to, they do a very good job. Everything about the experience has been seamless, the staff is friendly and the food is actually surprisingly good. This isn’t how I would choose to spend a vacation, but I’m not exactly complaining about the 85-degree weather, tanning on the pool deck and hanging out on my stateroom balcony. It’s also fun to play the part and embrace your inner kitsch.

Sure, the internet connection is sh*t, and when the ship docks the passengers rarely leave the port, which to me, begs the question “why even travel?” But I’ll put my travel snobbery aside I suppose, because I’m supposed to be cruising like a cruiser.

However, when docked in St. Thomas a writer friend and I took ourselves into town for lunch and a local beer (the hair of the dog, am I right?). If ever in town on a short amount of time, hit up Coconuts and try the fresh grouper and a Blackbeard Ale (sold exclusively in the Virgin Islands, but bottled in Portland, Maine…). You won’t be getting a local experience, but at least you are off the boat. The food is fresh, the beer is cold and you’re in the Caribbean. Life is good.

Tonight there will be time for one last adventure before disembarking in St. Maarten for a solo stay.

a supposedly fun thing i might consider doing again…maybe.

6,296. 6,296 people. That is how many passengers the Oasis of the Seas can hold. Add to that 2,000 crew members and we are over 8,000 people on one boat. It is a floating city. It is terrifying.

David Foster Wallace once wrote, “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again.” It was about cruising. Well played, Dave. Well played.

I arrived in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday morning with the notion that all-inclusive cruises were the reason why the world hates Americans (I’m thinking of you, midnight buffets and the march of the XXXL’s). Don’t get worried – I haven’t had some life-affirming experience that has changed my outlook on cruising, but there are a few upsides to this floating Las Vegas that could help put it in a new light.

First of all, it’s a floating Las Vegas. Let’s look at the positives of that. Last year I went to Vegas four times (all for business, relax). When you go somewhere that often you need to learn how to make the most of it, which is how I have been approaching this sea titan. The upsides: Excellent restaurants, legitimate pool/hot tub scene, great bars and a spa/fitness center. And the views of the ocean don’t exactly hurt, which is something Vegas sorely lacks. Also – let’s not forget that cruising at this level was designed for the truly lazy (and no this does not belong in the negative column). When you are in Italy, you would be an idiot to sit by the pool all day. When you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you aren’t signing up for multiple spa treatments. But when you are on a Caribbean cruise? You go ahead. You lay by that pool, you meander off the boat at a leisurely pace only to return an hour later having accomplished nothing. It’s okay! Good for you!

Truth be told, cruising has come a long way and this ship was a definite game changer. You are no longer forced to eat at the same time with the same people holding awkward conversations (although you can, if you still want to). The entertainment has upped the ante in terms of electronics (and perhaps pyrotechnics) and everything just feels fresher and newer.

The downsides: Much of it is all-you-can-eat, which is often grossly taken advantage of. (I once heard a story about a guy at an all-you-can-eat that sucked sauce off of his plate to make room for more food. Oh, America.) Second, it’s all families and couples and once again I’m here alone, though that’s just the nature of the biz and no fault of the cruise line. Bucket of champagne for two for one? Yes, I will drink that all alone and further drown my loneliness by eating all of those chocolate covered strawberries….what?

Ahem. Point being, it’s not awful. I could actually see myself having some fun. But going back to Mr. Wallace, his outlook is probably with where my allegiance will align.

frugal fridays: caribbean cruise for $399

If you are anything like me, you are always ready for a last-minute adventure. Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas is preparing for its early 2012 sailings to the West Caribbean and there are some spots left. Here’s where you come in. Snag this seven-day cruise that hits Cozumel, the Caymans, and Jamaica – and it can be yours for just $399. Hey, we’ll even throw in this free set of ginsu knives!

Happy weekend, friends. I’m off to the newly renovated Mount Airy Resort for a mini press trip. Tales on Monday.

airbnb

I know I typically wow you all with the hot new scene, but you may be shocked to know that I am often sorely out of the loop. Fortunately I have a circle of people whom I can easily contact for the latest scoop on dining, technology, local news and yes, sometimes travel.

Over the summer I met a good friend for dinner at  an adorable French bistro in Long Island City (another tale for another time) and she told me all about Airbnb, a community marketplace for people to list and book unique spaces around the world either online or from their iPhone. (She is very tech-savvy.) Seriously this site has everything from castles to sailboats to apartments. It’s a great way for people to showcase their spectacular spaces and have visitors come rent them out to see how the other half lives.

So far Airbnb exists in over 16,000 cities in over 186 countries with over 2 million nights already booked. It’s like sleepover social networking.

How to book:
1. Find your space using the search page to find a property. Enter dates you need and browse availability.
2. Book it by entering your credit card information (it’s a secure site) and within 24 hours the host will accept your request. (Note: Hosts can also choose to deny if you do not seem stand-up.) After confirmation the exact address will be distributed.
3. Travel. Get your itinerary details and enjoy!

How to host:
1. Create an Airbnb profile and list your space with photos, price and availability. Listing is free!
2. Answer guest questions using the onsite messaging system. You can feel free to accept or decline requests.
3. Host your guest! You will be paid 24 hours after they check in.

Are your tastes more of the silver spoon variety? Fear not. I’ve just received word that Airbnb now has an “In the Lap of Luxury Collection.” Travelers can use the site to now access some of the world’s most in-demand accommodations (think a ski lodge in Squaw Valley, a private island in Fiji, or yacht cruising in Miami).

Get clicking friends. If you like to travel and mingle, this is right up your alley, and the friends I have who have used this service say it is truly memorable.

guy fieri goes cruising

Any cruise fans out there? Anyone? Bueller? I’m not a big fan of the all-you-can-eat, kids-at-every-corner concept. But when I get to meet Guy Fieri at an event for Carnival Cruise Lines, sure, cruising gets a little cooler. (Note: I’m a Travel Channel fan through and through. I bleed Bourdain. But something about this frosted tip, burger guzzling, California dude makes me smile.)

I’ve taken one cruise in my entire life. It was a three day shindig from San Francisco up to Vancouver and it was aboard Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony. I’m told that’s the way to go. It’s luxury cruising at its finest. So believe me when I say I am no cruise connoisseur.

But for all my cruise fans out there, let me tell you that yesterday I attended an event for Carnival Cruise Lines at Manhattan’s very swank Hudson Terrace (probably the only time I will ever see what’s beyond those velvet ropes). Sitting among members of the media (I’m talking real members here, like USA Today and Fox), I learned about Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0, which includes a host of new offerings centered around dining, entertainment and bars & lounges (complete with some celebrity partnerships – enter Guy Fieri. Oh, and George Lopez. He was there, too.)

Fieri will be overseeing Guy’s Burger Joint, a “straightforward, real deal, quality burger,” according to Fieri. Lopez will take on Carnival’s signature The Punchliner Comedy Club as the new “curator of comedy.”

I apologize that this post is so industry-related. I’ll have some more tales from my weekend jaunt to Philly sometime tomorrow. If you really care about Carnival Cruise Lines’ announcement, you can read the post I did for my actual job here.

irony among the iron in chicago

I’m sorry, but if you have been one of those people on the double decker bus tours in NYC, I have mocked you, refused to make eye contact with you and generally avoided you like the plague. Tourists. Nasty.

Ahh but this weekend I was served my just desserts. I was in Chicago, a new city for me, visiting a good friend who has just relocated there and somehow we were lured onto an architecture boat tour. Just picture a double decker bus on the water moving slowly while a man with a microphone points out buildings of interest.

Here’s the irony: I actually enjoyed it. A 90-minute cruise with the Official Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise takes you down the Chicago River and past iconic structures in the Chicago skyline, such as Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Trump Tower, the Civic Opera Building, the Tribune Tower and NBC Tower.

Sure, locals will hoot and holler from the bridges above and demand that you wave to them and you feel a little bit like a fish in a fishbowl, but for a $35 ticket, a seat and a full bar it’s probably one of the better touristy things you can do in the Windy City.

Other cool things to do? Check out the John Hancock Center‘s Signature Room and Lounge. From the 96th floor you will get a totally sweeping view of Chicago, and one of the best dirty martinis I have ever had.

Take things down a notch in class and grab a cheeseburger (cheezborger!) at the Billy Goat Tavern (of Saturday Night Live fame).
http://www.hulu.com/embed/8l5wNPrxjqWDF2OuqJDI2g