Europe's Central Courtyard

La Grand Place

Very few urban squares/piazzas will make the initial impact of Brussels' Grote Markt. It is an eye-popping beauty, pin-up poster worthy. The ornate Baroque facades of the powerful guild houses date back to the 15th century offer eye candy at every turn. The cherry of this grand square is the Gothic Hotel de Ville which opened in 1402, creates a splendid stage for...anything. this Grand Place is a "wowzer" if there ever was one.

Believe it or not, most of Brussel's intercity was bombed out by Louis XIV of France in the 1600's destroying some 5000 wooden buildings. The buildings on this square survived some of the onslaught. Could you imagine what might have been? Exquisite.

The Grand Place provides a stage and backdrop from quite a few bigtime productions: the biannual Flower Carpet (Tapis de Fleurs) takes place every other August on even numbered years and the Ommegang Pageant takes place annually in July. The Ommegang pageant is a medieval reenactment of the 1549 procession of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Both are don't miss opportunities if your plans can swing it.

While Brussels isn't a cost effective travel destination, a day trip to the Grote Markt (the Grand Place) with a wax-paper flute of Belgian fries in one hand and a draught of Duvel in the other can make for one affordably unforgettable day. Cheers.

Al, the Travel Valet

Pick of the Day(54-13-1)...Phillies

Scenic Train Travel

Nothing stimulates the romance of travel like a choo-choo. What's funny, I don't why know this is true. Maybe it's the confines or the repetitive thumping of a imperfect wheel on a steel rail or possibly the casual speed of the train relative to the scenery. I don't know. My guess is... it's the movies that created, dramatized and glamorized train travel. Humphrey Bogart or Clark Gable chasing after a train to catch Ingrid Bergman or Eva Marie Saint will do it every time. Since I'm not a child of the Fifties, that's my parent's generation, I was educated through westerns and war movies on television. What's not more romantic to a young boy than to climb on a train escaping your mother's apron strings and seeing the world? WOW!

Trains stimulate the adventurous imagination more so than planes. Again, I'm not sure why. It's just, planes seem so "business". If you have a weekend or even better, a week to indulge yourself in adventure then take a train ride. Here are a few I highly recommend:

Rocky Mountaineer - http://www.rocky-mountaineer.com/ - this train travel company's routes bubbles over with scenery. Everywhere you look in the Canadian Rockies you will find majestic alpine mountains and abundant wildlife. The Rocky Mountaineer takes advantage of this opportunity as well it should. There are several routes to choose, all are good, but I recommend a Vancouver to Jasper National Park through Fraser Canyon...amazing.
The Mount Ranier Scenic Railroad - http://www.mrsr.com/ - a 90 minutes ride through the foothills of Mount Ranier in a vintage 1920's locomotive makes for a fine day.
The Royal Scotsman - http://www.royalscotsman.com/ - This fabulous train takes you on an elegant 4-day journey. What great way to see the ever changing countryside of Scotland.
Deccan Odyssey - http://www.thedeccanodyssey.com/ - A 21 coach train travels eight days safely through India passing thriving beach communities, quaint towns and impoverished villages from Mumbai to Maharashtra. Quite the eye opener.
The Blue Train - http://www.bluetrain.co.za/ - South Africa's Orient Express travels 27 hours from Cape Town to Pretoria. Very elegant, a little pricey, but a interesting experience overall. 1.5 Thumbs Up
Xining, Qinghai-Lhasa Tibet - This rail line opened to passengers in late 2006. The 1000+ kilometer trip from Beijing to Lhasa (the capital of Tibet) is an architectural masterpiece through the Himalayans rising over 16,000 feet at it's highest point. A ticket for this 650 mile trip is less than $75. Unbelievable.

Interested in more? Don't hesitate to email me at theTravelValet@gmail.com

AL, the Travel Valet
Pick of the day(54-13-1)...White Sox

From Regent Street to Somerset House

Exhausted by the thought of another harried Christmas/Holiday Season? Dreading the annual visit from Uncle Whatshisname? Or not living up to your mother's discerning eye? Then why not travel to England this Christmas and experience a European Christmas without the need for translation?

London's shopping season opens in mid November when Regent Street ceremoniously turns on it's Christmas lights for a pedestrian parade, and then London bursts wide open with yuletide passion. This historic city prefers to spread out it's Christmas cheer over its expanse. From the Marble Arch to Harrod's to Regent Street to the Natural History Museum to Somerset House, the city of London comes alive with the electric spirit of Christmas. Bundle up against the weather and get lost in London's winter beauty. See the Norwegian fir dazzle Christmas joy across Trafalgar Square. Visit Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland where fairy lights twinkle over a traditional German Christkindlmarkt. And finally, off to Somerset House where possibly the most beautiful setting for an ice skating rink can be found. Top the day off with some hot cocoa and you will have a holiday to remember. No Uncle Whatshisname, no harried Target/Macy's/Wal-Mart shopping, no cooking and cleaning for twenty and no disapproving relative huffing "under their breath, but within earshot". Just a marvelous holiday in a marvelous locale. Want to join me?

Oh...did I forget to mention Harrod's, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols?

Al, the Travel Valet

theTravelValet@gmail.com

Pick of the Day(53-13-1)...Cardinals

Westminster Abbey: England's Snow Globe

So, you prefer the History Channel to history books and Cliff's Notes to the classics. You are not the only one who has admitted this to me. And the honesty is appreciated.

You want to experience English history, but don't want to work for it. You don't say? Well, I have an idea just for you, Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey is the greatest church in the English-speaking world, where kings and queens have been buried since 1066. To know the history of the abbey is to understand the history of England. The abbey was built in 1065 and its name means "church in the west" (west of St. Paul's). There is 1000 years years of history in these walls with 3000 tombs and the remains of 29 kings and queens. There are literally 100s of memorials to writers, poets, politicians and warriors behind some of the world's most exquisite stained glass. A peak into Westminster Abbey is a peak into England's history, but a two hour walking tour is a 1000 years of history crammed into one excellent episode on the History Channel. Let's take a gander.


Westminster Facts:
Hours: 09:15-16:45 Mon-Sat - Cloisters open until 17:45
Nearest Tube Stations: St. James or Westminster
Tele: 020 72 22 5152
Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

Jeremy Irons narrates a fabulous audioguide which is included in the price of admission. No photos inside, but as always, their will be plenty of photos for sale in gift shop. The abbey is always crowded, but the mass of tourists thins each afternoon around 14:00. A walking guided tour by well-informed vergers is offered for a nominal fee (This is the only way one can see Edward the Confessor's tomb). I think the Jeremy Irons audio is more than adequate along with the free abbey map at the door. You will have no choice but to follow the hordes clockwise through the church. Just be glad this is only a one loop tour. Here is a list of the abbey don't miss sites.

• North Transept and view of Nave


• Tomb of Edward the Confessor - He's the guy who built the church.


• Tombs of Queen Elizabeth I and Mary I - there is only one effigy (Elizabeth). She was still pissed at her sister.


• Chapel of King Henry VII - ended War of the Roses with his marriage to Elizabeth of York


• Royal Air Force Chapel - this is the former tomb of Oliver Cromwell. Charles II had Cromwell's 2 year dead body exonerated, hanged, drawn and quartered, and then nailed to the gates of the walled city. Seems he needed a little revenge after watching Cromwell hang his father, Charles I, outside the Banquetting Hall. Boy had some rage issues, I guess.


• Tomb of Mary, Queen of Scots - Elizabeth had her imprisoned for 12 years before decapitating her. When Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen, died without an heir, James I, the son of Mary of Scots was crowned king. he buried his mother here in the most beautiful portion of the abbey.


• Coronation Chair - This gold-plated wooded chair has kissed the royal butt of every king and queen since 1308, sans 2.


• Poet's Corner - my Holy Grail.


• Cloisters and Abbey Museum - these buildings housed the benedictine monks until Henry VIII kicked them out in 1540 with the Dissolution of the Monasteries


• The Nave - This is where you will find Winston Churchill's memorial, "Scientist's Corner" and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This isn't just the history of the abbey that you just encountered, but the history of England, London and the English-speaking world. This is England in a snow globe or the history of England on a zip-drive. If you are interested in finding out more, send me an email at theTravelValet@gmail.com.

Al, the Travel Valet

Pick of the day(52-12-1)...Rangers, Giants

Do you Really Need a Passport in Texas?

A 2009 survey conducted by the online booking portal kayak.com found that Americans are woefully uneducated about passports. In this survey of 1000 American respondents, 26% thought that Americans would need a passport to return from Maui and a whopping 50% were certain one needed a passport to return from South Padre Island (in Texas). What???

I didn't see the original survey nor did I meet any of the monkeys that took it, but my belief is these Americans are geographically challenged. I guess South Padre Island could be construed as a Mexican resort beach. I just don't know.

Here are a couple tips that can help with Immigration and what the government neglects to tell you before you departure.

You may be denied boarding or reentry into the United States if:

• Your passport is going to expire within 6 months


• You don't have enough blank pages remaining on your passport.

At least four months before you plan to travel, make sure you have at least two pages on your passport for every foreign country you plan to visit. if you are cutting it close on pages, it's worth it to order extra pages from a passport office or American consulate. Your passport can't expire while you are out of the country, period. A general rule of thumb is that you should have at least 6 months remaining on your passport beyond your travel dates. I know this sounds obsessive, but the alternative is the chance of being denied entry or exit of a country. The fines and costs of returning home once your travel is halted can become exorbitant and the hassle will be prohibitive.

The recent law changes have made crossing borders more difficult and the laws more confusing, but if you just assume you will need a passport for every border crossing everywhere then you will be fine. So, when you take the family to South Padre Island for one last weekend of beach time before school starts remember to bring along your passport. Just kidding.

Al, the Travel Valet
Pick of the Day(51-12-1)...Cubs

Digging for Treasure

While not one myself, I am very close to a few treasure seekers. You know the type. The ones that will scour, sift and rummage through countless shelves, racks and piles to save 80% on a 70% off sale burning $30 worth of gas and an entire day off from their paying gig in hopes of "sticking it to...". I don't even know who.

I have tried to understand their justifications, but I can't. I'll just say bless 'em and then get the hell out of their way. They probably say the same thing about my addiction to Saturday college football, To each is own, I suppose.

Although I'm not a shelf scourer or bin tosser, I am a devout people watcher and I have learned over the years that there are excellent people watching opportunities at these "fests". And, I have learned to incorporate a touch of this into my leisure life just for the chance to see the donut-glazed stares of harried women leaning over a table filled with 80 pounds of panties scrambling for the two "medium" sized pair amongst the thousands of "extra-smalls" and "XXXLs".

Grab yourself a beer, a glass of wine or just a bottle of water and venture out on your next day off to one of these famous markets for a little treasured people watching. Here is a list of some of the world's best people watching and bargain hunting events. Try incorporating any of these into your next trip if their locales are not within a day's commute. Trust me; it's worth it.

Portobello Street Market - London's premier flea market (even if the bargains are rare) in trendy Notting Hill. This Saturday morning extravaganza is an eye full of London offerings. Like dessert for your senses, Portobello Market is rich in colors, smells and oddities. Spend a few hours rummaging or watching others in this open air bliss of madness. Go early if you are really a bargain hunter and check out the antiques. Hint: a great remedy for jet lag!

New Caladonian Antique and Flea Market - aka. the Bermondsey Market - this has much better prices and is less touristy that the Portobello or Camden markets. These bargain hunters are serious; they show around 4:30 0r 5:00 am armed with flashlights (torches) to find the best deals before daylight. While this is over-the-top effort for me, I know people very close to me who will wait in line on frigid December mornings to make sure they get their mitts on a Wii for Christmas. I would imagine this is hilarious fun, but I regret I will not be attending. I'm not even sure I can laugh at 4:30am. Do those muscles even work before coffee?

Marches Aux Puces De Clignancourt - What flea market list would be complete without the mother of all flea markets. Marches Aux Puces translates to March of Fleas. How can you not like that? This is also where we dirty Americans derived the name. Situated on the northern outskirts of Paris, this original and one of the larger markets is really twelve markets that grew together over the years. Each day, between 2500 and 3000 stalls are occupied with gloriously cool French junk. Obviously, the better your French, the better the deal. But don't let a language barrier deter you. Half the fun is trying to figure out what is going on all around you. It's a trip.

127 Corridor - Billed as the "World's Longest Yard Sale" stretching 654 miles from Covington, Kentucky to Gadsen, Alabama, it sounds more like a Jeff Foxworthy joke than a market. I'm told this week-long, once a year event is chock full of flavor, bric-a-brac and southern hospitality. I guess I'll take their word for it. I would be remiss not to mention the 127 Corridor Market here, but I prefer my flea markets slightly more self-contained like my next choice.

Rose Bowl Swap Meet- Limited to the confines of Pasadena, California's Rose Bowl and the hours of 9am-3pm on the second Sunday of each month is more my style of flea markets. Let's cram 100,000 people and vendors into a confined bowl and watch them banter over a used surf board or lawn ornament. That's what I call "people watching". What kind of stinks here is these Cali capitalists charge admission, $8-15, depending on how long you want to stand in line to get in and what time you wish to enter. This gratuitous cash grab eliminates some of my favorite kinds of bargain hunters, the super cheap. Mostly, you will find curious middle class locals at this event along with the traveling carny-like vendors barking "Hey, Rube! I got da' best stuff, check it out."

First Mondays in Canton - This market, as its name suggests, is only open on the first Monday of the each month, yet is inundated with 100,000+ bargain shoppers. This market specializes in Texas arts and crafts, some of it truly fabulous. First Monday has a state fair atmosphere and county fair ambiance. Refreshing Texas hospitality seeps from everything. Covering over 1000 acres of endless stalls, this is not for rookies. They even pass out maps in hopes of shoppers not getting lost. If you think you are just going to pop in and have a look-see, think again. First Monday is an all day event as well it should be since you have to drive 60 miles east from Dallas to get there. Oh, and did I mention the people watching. Hee-Haww!

Al, the Travel Valet
Pick of the Day(50-12-1)...Yankees

My Summer Vacation...

I remember elementary school vividly, thirty-five years ago. But I can't remember Tuesday, five days ago. Before one of you thinks, "what's wrong with this guy?", let me finish. It's not because I have some short-term memory issue. It's because last Tuesday was a regular routine day for me and elementary school was an adventure. We need to remember to look through the eyes of our children this summer and encourage that sense of adventure, theirs and ours.

Most American families are reeling in this recession. Worrying about their mortgage payments, the aging family sedan and the cost of remaining status quo has taken precedence to the annual family vacation, as well it should. But lest we forget, our children will not be children for long. And the opportunity we have to influence our children dwindles everytime a new "WiFi hotspot" is established. Even if there is not a lot of "extra" money to spend this summer. Spend it on the opportunity to bond with your children. It doesn't take much to "wow" a child.

Here are a few ideas that don't cost too much.

Go to the Beach, Forest, Mountains or Hills - Nature costs nothing. Raid the refrigerator and make some crazy-fun picnic. Break the "vegetable" rule for a day. Pack treats.
Go hiking, swimming, camping, exploring, beach combing or star gazing. Bring a Frisbee and the family pet. Start a campfire and roast weenies and marshmallows. Just because you think it may be boring, look into your child's eyes and tell me that it's not worth it. It's amazing how much fun your children can have on a tank of gas.
Museum Hop - If you live in or near the big city, plan a fun day of public transportation and museum hopping. Only spend a few hours at each place checking out the highlights. Remember this is for the children and their attention spans are not in tune with yours. Eat food from street vendors in the park, a pretzel can make someones day. Visit the biggest public library or check out the fire station to mix things up.
Tune into your Child's Hobbies - What are your child's favorite things? Focus on them and plan an itinerary around it. If he likes to bicycle, drive him to some trails or hills and ride them together. He will enjoy and laugh each time you have to push your bike to the top and scream on the way down. If she loves animals, go to the zoo, aquarium or Natural History Museum. If they are adrenaline junkies, encourage roller blading, skateboarding or an amusement park with white-knuckle rides. Try it yourself. Let them show you how. There is going to be some laughs at your expense, but it will be worth it.

Focus on your attitude and their desires. Family vacations are about quality family time without interruption. Trust me, we need it as much as they do. Watching your child's eyes grow, face smile and belly laugh goes a long way in recharging a parent's batteries. Best yet, when the first day of school returns and the teacher tells your child to write an essay on their summer vacation...there is no pause.

Pick of the Day(49-12-1)...Blue Jays

Grandest European Cities

"What are the five grandest European cities?" I was asked this yesterday and to answer the question took me 24 hours. My first instinct was to answer with my favorites. But I thankfully hesitated and pondered the question. Even though this is a subjective question, this is what I believe to be my very best answer in ascending order...

5. Amsterdam - This is Scandinavia's centerpiece. Every continent needs a San Francisco and this is Europe's version. Young, liberal and forward-thinking, this Rembrandt masterpiece come-to-life will convince you that there is still plenty of youthfulness in your blood as you meander the cobbled streets and canals on your borrowed bike. A lovely start to any amazing journey.

4. Venice - Romantically captivating, this city known for it's canals, lovers and pigeons is breathtaking one moment and heartbreaking the next. St. Mark's Square is possibly the grandest of all Italian piazzas and picture postcard beautiful. This city of tiny islands is slowly being taken back by the sea rotting from its foundations upward and quickly becoming a tourist trap. Only the very wealthy and those fortifying the tourist trade still reside on the islands. That is sad.

3. London - This is the English-speaking zenith. Even though London has outgrown its walls by a thousand fold, this city is where an enormous portion of Americans can trace there roots. If not there hereditary roots, then surely their educational and linguistic roots. London is and has been the cornerstone of literary genius since Chaucer. Most of the greatest works of literary art were cultivated through London. What Paris has accomplished in the name of Impressionism and Patriotic Revolution, England has doubled that effort for the written word. Shakespeare, enough said. Sadly, London, in all its growth, has lost its Englishness, that is our progressive world, I know. But it's kind of depressing to know there are more Indian restaurants in London than pubs.

2. Rome - My heart wants this to be the grandest city in all of Europe, but its not. That award goes to the Gauls. Nevertheless, Roma is the cultural and spiritual beginning of our Western Civilization. The largest Christian church in the world resides self-contained in its own country encapsulated by Rome. The most powerful rulers of all time conquered the far reaches of the known world for more than 1000 years. Italy was only unified in 1870, but Rome was founded April 21, 753 BCE. From the Forum to the Pantheon to the Colosseum to the Vatican, Rome's history ebbs from every orifice. Rome can't even expand its subway system in fear of losing any more archaeological history to development. If we are not African or Asian, then we are most probably (at least a little) Roman.

1. Paris - Belgians have a joke, "God made France too perfect, he had to add the Frenchmen to even the score." Even so, Paris is the Grand Dame of European cities. The city was so beautiful Hitler didn't have the heart to bomb it like he did London. Of course, the English would say the French laid down when the Germans turned there tanks toward the French border. So be it. Napoleon commission the Arc de Triomphe in 1810 to stroke his ego, but it wasn't completed until 1836. Next, Baron Haussmann rebuilt the city to its current magnificence between 1852 and 1870. And then Gustave Eiffel added his final touch in 1889. I'm glad Hitler allowed the city to stand. To top off this idyllic and picturesque city life, Paris has the grandest collection of museums in the world including the queen of them all, the Louvre.

One may not agree with my ranking of these cities, but one can't argue they don't belong.

Al, the Travel Valet
thetravelvalet@gmail.com

Pick of the Day(48-12-1)...Giants

I'm not a "Foodie", but these are Big D can't misses

Awesome Dallas Eats...

Everybody who knows me understands I could really care less about food. I'm a refuel and move on kinda guy. Maybe it was growing up in the cultureless suburbs or just not wanting to sit still long enough to appreciate the cuisine. Or maybe I have broken taste buds. I don't know. Anyway, I usually opt for atmosphere over ingredients. Here are a few in Dallas that have a lot of both .

The Mecca Restaurant - 10422 Harry Hines Blvd. Talk about culture. If you've been to Dallas and haven't been to the Mecca, well, you never really visited. The place is authentically Texan. The people treat you as if they've known you all their lives. The food is 100% made from scratch. Go for breakfast and order chicken fried steak and eggs. If you can't manage it on your diet, try the pancakes. They are a little on the big side. The place isn't sexy and neither are the patrons, but you can't help but love it. Every last white gravy soaked drop.

Campisi's Egyptian Restaurant - 5610 E Mockingbird Ln. This place is "old school" in every sense of the phrase. This is one of the few remaining speakeasy/hangouts from the 40's. Many organized crime bosses including Jack Ruby hung out here and some still do alongside former Dallas Cowboys. The restaurant introduced pizza to Dallas and was my first "non-Chef Boyardee" Italian food. The place ebbs atmosphere. What about the "Egyptian" in the name you ask? Well, as the story goes, when Campisi opened the restaurant he couldn't afford to take down the neon sign of the previous tenant, The Egyptian Lounge, so he incorporated the "Egyptian" into the restaurant name. You gotta like that. Make sure you eat in the original locale at the bar or in the Egyptian Lounge .

Highland Park Pharmacy - 3229 Knox St. If you can't love this, you're dead. Give me a break! This is an original soda fountain in a pharmacy in downtown Dallas. This drugstore lunch counter is a landmark in a city of glass high-rises and vanishing borders. Try the chicken salad before you hit the soda fountain. Bring the kids, they won't get it.

Hernandez Finer Foods - 2120 Alamo St. Back in 1918, Juan Hernandez, an immigrant from Guanajuato, Mexico, started selling tamales from a horse drawn cart. He eventually opened this little slice of heaven next door to the original El Fenix. El Fenix is the original Dallas Tex-Mex restaurant. Juan began selling his tamales next door to the El Fenix and taking some there business, starting a taco war. My kinda war. Make sure you try the barabacoa tacos.

Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse - 2202 Inwood Rd. Holy smoked meats, Batman. This place is ridiculous good. I normally refuse to offer advice on Tex-Mex and BBQ restaurants because someone is gonna bark a better joint. Regardless, you are not going to find a better atmosphere to eat insanely good Texas smoked meats than at this location. You'll see why when you get there and have to sit in an old time elementary school desk to chow. Awesome.

I know I left off a ton of amazing eateries, but this little list will make you happy and serve you up a huge helping of Texas. Soup's on!!!

Al, the Travel Valet

thetravelvalet@gmail.com
Pick of the Day( 49-11-1)...Marlins

Liar's Poker - Book Review

Traveling down time allots me adequate opportunity to knock out a novel. Normally, I try to read something new, but this time I went back and reread Michael Lewis' Liar's Poker. I'm glad I did.

Published by W.W. Norton and Co. in 1989, the book received critical acclaim pretty much everywhere. When I read it the first time back in 1990 I was between undergrad and grad school. To be honest, I didn't like it. I assumed, at the time, that maybe I was too immature or naive to wrap my mind the vast amounts of tongue-in-cheek humor. Basically, I was giving the literary world the benefit of my doubt. Now, twenty years later, chock full of my own sarcastic wit, I still don't think it is bestseller worthy. But, what do I know? I'm not Oprah. (See? There is a little of my own.)

Don't get me wrong, the book is good, damn good.

The beauty of this novel is in its outrageous and true tales of the salesmen of Salomon Brothers that created the bond trading industry and almost ruined the American economy in the 1980's. Lewis introduced characters to the general non-business public like Michael Milken and John Gutfruend. Even twenty years later, after the the "junk-bond king" did his time, Salomon went under and thousands of CNN news stories filled cable television, I still find the tidbits of insider information enlightening.

Lewis is a master of the metaphor and simile. This talent keeps the reader's imagination on overdrive. It also exhibits the work the author put into his work. He just didn't regurgitate a story, but told it in humorous, anecdotal metaphors. His style is amazing and one I wish I could capture as my own.

Kinda fitting, I chose this crucial time in our current economy to reread Michael Lewis' Wall Street tale. I did it on purpose, of course. Many parallels in our economic makeup exist today with the state of the economy after the 1987 stock market crash. Difference being we had much farther to fall this time around. One thing is certain, history does repeat itself.

This book is worth the read. Very well written. And for non-fiction...entertaining.

Pick it up. Or pick it up again.

Al, the Travel Valet

Pick of the Day(46-10-1)...Dodgers,Tigers, Rays