Washington, DC: My Own Little Slice of Paris

Paris, France
Cathedral Notre Dame

If you’ve been following this baby of a blog that I recently created, it’s probably no secret to you that I’m a raging Francophile. In my mind, France embodies everything that is good in this world: amazing food, fashion, and romance (in order of importance, of course). On my dreamiest days, I picture myself in a bright-yellow, eyelet dress, riding a bike with a baguette-stuffed basket on the front, coasting lazily through fields of lavender on my way home from town.

Make no mistake… I would probably not fit in very well in France. First off, as it turns out, I am actually not French. I had a hard time coming to terms with this fact. But after admitting to myself that a) I was not born in France, b) I do not speak French fluently, and c) I have no French relatives, I was forced to draw the only logical conclusion. Also, I’m pretty boorish for a lady.  Don’t let the fantasy eyelet dress fool you.  I tell dirty jokes, laugh very loudly, and rather enjoy making a spectacle of myself.  Very un-chic. 



Luckily, I happen to live in a city that allows me to act out some of my French fantasies and doesn’t raise an eyebrow while I’m doing so. Washington, DC is a planned city, designed by French-born architect Pierre L’Enfant. The wide avenues radiating from the city’s majestic landmarks and monuments were meant to evoke the feel of Paris. DC’s grandest avenue is the National Mall, which bears a striking resemblance to Paris’s Champs-Élysées; each is dotted with famous national landmarks, spaced at regular intervals. Fortunately, my walk home from work takes me down our avenue, past the Capital and Washington Monument. More than once I’ve caught myself reminiscing about my trips to our sister city across the pond.  

Washington, DC

The National Cathedral

I’ll be the first to admit that Washington lacks that certain Je ne sais quoi of Paris. You would be hard-pressed to find a winding alleyway in DC, and sidewalk cafés are not spilling out into every street. But if you look hard enough, you can find charm here. Trendy Dupont Circle is home to the lion’s share of the city’s 176 foreign embassy houses, making it a neighborhood full of stately mansions and international flare. In Georgetown, upscale shops and restaurants crowd cobblestone streets. The Eastern Market area features a large, open-air market and is lined with beautiful, multi-colored Victorian row homes.
  

Cultural opportunities in Washington go beyond the Americana associated with some of our most frequently visited museums and monuments. The Phillips Collection and Kreeger Museum both feature wonderful collections from the French Impressionists. If I ever wanted to go to church, you can bet I’ll head straight for the National Cathedral, which has elements of Paris’s gothic Cathédral Notre Dame.  Whether you’re religious or not, it’s great for viewing gorgeous architecture. With such a large international community, Washingtonians have easy access to a variety of multi-cultural events. In an effort to become more connected to my adoptive homeland, I’ve even started taking French language classes from chic ladies at the Alliance Française de Washington. 

Washington’s farmers’ markets, metro train system (which just so happens to share a name with Paris’s underground), and small, specialty shops encourage a European lifestyle that leaves DC citizens healthy (Washington is consistently ranked as one of the fittest cities in the nation) and donning a relatively small carbon footprint.  And I can’t speak for my fellow Washingtonians, but I really enjoy life. I’m not climbing the corporate ladder, and I’m not married with children (why are these the only two options for American women these days?!), but I’m one of the most successful people I know when it comes to having a really good time. Having access to a plethora of amazing restaurants and bars helps. But on nights when we can’t make it out, my boyfriend and I split a bottle of wine (Alsatian, obviously) from the well-stocked liquor store a block from our house and linger over a dinner made from fresh, local products. It’s our little way of channeling the European philosophy that one should savor life’s daily gifts.  And it will have to do until my next trip home… ahem, I mean back. 

Champs-Elysees, Paris, France

The National Mall, Washington, DC

Not Your Grandma’s (But Maybe Your Mom’s) Vegas

Best For: Luxury, Nightlife, Culinary Scene, Shopping

Best Time to Visit: Year-Round

Retro Vegas Welcome Sign

A few years back, my company sent me to Salt Lake City for training. I had always wanted to see Las Vegas, and its proximity to Utah made it the obvious trip add-on. I invited my mom, who would never say no to a free hotel stay and some mother-daughter bonding time. We were expecting to be fish out of water in the flashy city and were treating the trip as sort of an anthropological study; “Let’s go observe all the wild, garish people thrive in their natural habitat” we thought. Upon exploring, we realized that the city has evolved into so much more than just a playground for debauchery. We enjoyed first-rate meals, a comedy show, and great shopping. Neither of us put so much as a nickel into a slot machine, though we did partake in more than a few adult beverages. There was so much we wanted to cram into our weekend that we called the airline to inquire about pushing back our flight date. Steep change fees cut our fun short, but we’ve vowed to go back and experience more of this vacation crowd-pleaser.

Luxury:  Those who live in the lap of luxury (or who want to pretend like they do for a few days), will be very comfortable in Las Vegas. Each hotel tries to outclass the next with its over-the-top suites and high-end amenities. The city’s five-star restaurants, trendy nightclubs, chic shopping, high-stakes gambling tables, and relaxing spas provide A-list elites with a wealth of opportunities for blowing excess cash.  

The Strip
Photo courtesy of PDPhoto.org

Nightlife/Entertainment:  Between the windowless casinos and alcohol-induced hazes, it can be difficult to distinguish between night and day on a trip to Vegas. During whichever hour you prefer to play, there are entertainment options galore. Daytime activities range from thrill rides to zoos and botanical gardens. The city’s after dark scene is unparalleled – each establishment pulls out all the stops to lure you through their doors, creating spectacles around every corner. Partygoers will have their choice of bars, nightclubs, lounges, and strip clubs. Those looking for tamer options can have a classic night at the casino or check out one of the many spectacular shows. For a more offbeat experience, try downtown in all its vintage, old school Vegas glory. If you feel overwhelmed by all the entertainment options, leave the planning to the experts at the Vegas travel site; their travel tips section gives suggestions tailored to your personality and trip needs.

The Bellagio Lobby Ceiling

Culinary Scene:  All of the big shot chefs have restaurants in Las Vegas, which means you don’t have to city hop to try out gourmet dishes from Guy Savoy, Thomas Keller, Joel Robuchon, and Mario Batali. For those who want to get more grub for their buck, try one of the ubiquitous all you can eat buffets (the Aria, Bellagio, and Wynn have the best spreads), or one of the many burger joints popping up throughout the city. Or, venture off the strip and discover one of the hidden culinary gems found in the surrounding shopping plazas.

Shopping:  Vegas has risen to be one of the premier shopping cities in the world. High-end designers, such as Versace and Louis Vuitton, have set up shop throughout the big casinos. The most luxe galleries are the Forum Shops (Ceasars), Miracle Mile (Planet Hollywood), and the Grand Canal Shops (the Venetian). Budget conscious shopaholics will also find standard mall stores scattered throughout the casinos, but aggressive bargain hunters can head off the strip to one of the city’s three outlet malls.

If you're feeling over-stimulated after your stint in Vegas and are looking for some relief from the madness, visit one of the many nearby National Parks.  Popular ones include Zion and, of course, the Grand Canyon.   



Take Your Next Coffee Break in Seattle

Best For:  Culture, Nightlife, Culinary Scene, Natural Beauty, Outdoor Activities

Best Time to Visit:  May through September

I was expecting a bit more pow from Seattle. For a city with a reputation for having a lot of character, everything seemed a little bit understated; now I realize that subtlety is part of the Seattle charm. There’s no flash, but the city certainly has its own kind of pizzazz. It’s quirky, chill, intellectual, and fun without feeling the need to brag about it. Used to a more conservative vibe, I wondered if my East Coast attitude would glare in the city’s shabby-chic dive bars. But the open-minded locals barely took notice -- and if they did notice, they didn’t seem to care. After all, you would have to be fairly laid-back to handle 300 cloudy days per year, so dealing with a feisty and opinionated consultant is probably only slightly amusing at best.  

Cityscape with Mount Rainier 

Culture:  Many American cities have long been associated with various scenes. Washington, DC is synonymous with politics, and L.A. is home to the glitzy motion-picture industry. Seattle, still in its infancy as a city, seems to embrace its youth with the fickle angst of a teenager struggling to find identity through rebellion. Home to hipsters and the birthplace of grunge, the city always seems to be leading the counter-culture pack. Its eccentric vibe combines with an entrepreneurial spirit to attract people who are an interesting blend of unconventional and Type A. During a visit here, the best way to get immersed the culture is to hang with the locals in the thriving art galleries and music venues.

The Space Needle

Nightlife:  Much like its inhabitants, Seattle’s nightlife can best be described as quirky and offbeat.  Where else can you find a bar in a converted funeral home or one that doubles as an arcade offering 16 vintage pinball machine games?  Nightclubs are hard to come by; in this city, music is played by bands, not spun by DJ’s. Pioneer Square is for rowdy 20-somethings, Belltown’s cocktail lounges offer a more upscale experience, and Capital Hill has a thriving gay scene.

Culinary Scene:  Adventurous chefs and fresh seafood make Seattle a noteworthy food town. Restaurateurs increasingly have a farm-to-table philosophy, making it likely that your meal will be made using fresh, organic ingredients. Seattle also shines in the beverage department. Take a peek inside the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market just to say you saw it, but get your morning joe somewhere else; the city is filled with offbeat coffee houses vying to make you the best latte in town. The city has a number of microbreweriesserving evening (or afternoon) refreshments.  And don’t forget about the wine: Washington State is one of the leading producers in the country and makes especially good Rieslings.

        

Mountain View from Bainbridge Island Ferry

Natural Beauty:  Nicknamed “The Emerald City” after the lush evergreens surrounding its urban center, Seattle has the feeling of a city that was plopped down in the middle of a forest.  The mountainous views add to the city’s natural feel.  On a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascades to the east, the crown jewel of which is Mt. Rainier.  The best way to enjoy the scenery is to take a ferry across the Puget Sound to charming Bainbridge Island.  Or, take a day trip to some of the scenic wonders on the outskirts of the city.  Favorites include the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula and the glaciers of Mount Rainier National Park.

   

Boating in Seattle

Outdoor Activities:  It makes sense that a city with such beautiful natural surroundings would have plenty of options for enjoying the outdoors. Parks come in all shapes and sizes and range from city-center greens to heavily-forested nature reserves. Try Kerry Park for famous cityscape views, Gas Works Park for people watching, or Seward Park for nature walks.  Boating is big here, and plenty of companies offer kayak and canoe rentals.  For those willing to leave the city limits, there are plenty of skiing and hiking options in the surrounding mountainous areas.  

After a few days in Seattle, urban dwellers will want to either head south to the city's little brother, Portland, or cross the Canadian border into the more cosmopolitan Vancouver.  

For devoted nature lovers, Seattle might be no more than a short stopover.  Head north to the San Juan and Victoria Islands, west to the Olympic Peninsula, or East to the Cascades for some of the most beautiful wildlife that the region has to offer.  

Sunset at Clearwater Beach

Instead of winter photos, why not some almost kitschy sunset beach shots? For those who are already longing for the warmer weather.

Téli fotók helyett miért ne rakjak ide egy-két majdnem giccses tengerparti naplementét? Azoknak, akik már alig várják, hogy melegebb legyen.

Clearwater (Florida), 2007 October.

www.AndreaGerak.com

First we take Manhattan...

Listen to little birdie's station

A photo taken from the airplane - could be a little bit sharper but I think you get the athmosphere.

America from the air

Listen to little birdie's station

As I said in an earlier post, this was my first trip to Big America, so I was happy to have clear sky during the flight.
Ahogy már egy korábbi bejegyzésemben is említettem, ez volt a legelső utam Nagy Ámerikába, így igen örültem, hogy a repülés közben tiszta volt az ég.

Somewhere on the East Coast
Valahol a keleti parton





The first photo appears in the video Lonely Is The Bird
Az első fotó látható az Árva az a madár c. videóban.

Pier 60

Listen to little birdie's station

A popular place for people and birds for fishing at Clearwater Beach.
Clearwater strandjának népszerű horgászhelye, emberek és madarak számára.



This photo appears in the video Lonely Is The Bird
Ez a fotó látható az Árva az a madár c. videóban.

Baywatch

Listen to little birdie's station

Pelicans on the poles watch over Clearwater beach, to make sure that everything is fine...
Pelikánok az oszlopokon vigyázzák Clearwater strandját, hogy minden rendben legyen...

Clearwater Beach

Listen to little birdie's station

So now a little summer feeling - the weather here is disgustingly grey...
Akkor most egy kis nyári fíling - gusztustalan szürkeség van éppen...

Middle of October, Florida:
Florida, október közepe:

*****

Beside being a singer and going wherever my performances take me, these are the top resources which make it possible for me to live one of my dreams and travel - they can help you as well to live as you would like to, have a look here

Clearwater by night

Listen to little birdie's station

Well, this was my very first trip to Big America, plus I have this new camera, so I was very excited to walk around and shoot, shoot :-)
Nos, ez volt a legelső utazásom Nagy Amerikába, plusz van ez a jó kis új fényképezőgépem, úgyhogy igen izgatottan sétálgattam, és csak lövöldöztem :-)

And it is definitely an inspiring place!
Határozottan inspiráló hely!

Just look at these night moods:
Csak nézd meg ezt az éjszakai hangulatot:


The two high buildings are hotels, the flat one is the City Hall. And the newly built bridge goes accross Clearwater Bay, to the beach of the Mexican Gulf.
A két magas épület szálloda, a lapos pedig a városháza. Az új híd Clearwater Bay-en keresztül a Mexikói-öböl strandjaira vezet.

And this is a view from the bridge:
Ez pedig a híd tövénél készült:

Clearwater Bay after rain

Listen to little birdie's station

Hello folks, thanks for sticking around!
Sziasztok, köszi, hogy itt vagytok!

I didn't see any computers for more than 2 weeks - but had something nicer instead: a trip to Florida... :-)
Több mint 2 hétig nem is láttam számítógépet - helyette valami szebben volt részem: Floridában jártam... :-)

Of course, took a few pictures and I still have a lot of summer photos to catch up with.
Természetesen csináltam pár képet, és még mindig van egy jóadagnyi, feldolgozásra váró nyári fotóm.

So here is one the first impressions. This is not a typical Florida picture, not a blue-sky-sand-beach that you would imagine - just wait for them a little bit, they are also coming.
Hát, itt az egyik első benyomás. Ez nem egy igazán tipikus floridai kép, nem az a kék ég, homokstrand, amit elképzelnél - azok is jönnek, csak várj egy picit!

Clearwater Bay from my hotel window, after rain.
Clearwater Bay eső után, a szállodai ablakból.
About the real colors, I didn't edit anything on the picture.
Körülbelül a valódi színek, semmit nem szerkesztettem a képen.

View it large.
Nézd meg nagyméretben!

Andrea's Cash Machines – Pick Yours / Andrea pénzautomatái - Válassz magadnak!