Archive for the 'Travel & Transportation' Category

Outlet shopping in the UK

This last Saturday we went shopping … but not just any old shopping, we went to an outlet mall! Before last Christmas, when the girl’s at Mango wanted to go shopping, they thought about going to Bicester Village, but decided against it. So, we finally made it out to Bicester and Bicester Village (which are not the same thing, as Jill first thought).

Bicester Village is an upscale outlet shopping experience, nothing like the American outlet mall or ‘mega-mall’ (like Concord Mills near Charlotte, NC). Instead, it is full of high-end retailers and boutiques (see floor plan) … Read the rest of this entry »

Heineken Experience Reopens Today

The Heineken Experience reopens today (3 Nov). For those who remember, it was from the Heineken Experience that Jill & I first announced our engagement. For a reminder of it, see this video.

Anyway, they have posted a video (included below) about the newly renovated Experience and a large portion of it looks very similar to the old one. Then again, it has a special place in my heart and I would probably go back next time I am in Amsterdam! Read the rest of this entry »

Food in Morroco

One of the great things that we were looking forward to was the food in Morroco and we had some great food while we were there! Juice vendor Yet, we were slightly disappointed by some of the traditional Morrocan food - especially couscous and tajines. On the other hand, we had some great breakfasts at two of our riads and greatly enjoyed all of the fresh juice that we were able to drink. The juice carts on the Djemaa el Fna are a great source for juice, but be sure to ask for fresh and the normal price is 3dh per glass. Two pieces of advice when dealing with the vendors: 1) always ask the price first and 2) make sure that you have small change when you go to get juice because the vendors will claim to not have change. Read the rest of this entry »

Moroccan Accommodation

While in Morocco, we stayed in three very different riads. Two of them were amazing (for very different reasons) and the third was disappointing.

Jill at breakfastPool at Riad BaytiOur room at Riad BaytiJill in poolJill in roomTea at Riad Bayti

Our riad in Marrakesh was [Riad Bayti], located in the Mellah (aka the former jewish quarter) Riad Baytijust a few minutes from the Place des Ferblantiers (aka the tinsmiths’ square). Read the rest of this entry »

Spain Photos are uploaded

AlcazarAlgeciras in the morning after our unplanned night there!Aracena

There are a couple of the photos from Spain … and now that I have finished uploading all of the photos, I can start writing the trip up!

Cheers!

Upload of Morocco photos is complete …

I have finished uploading all of the photos of Morocco and here is a little selection of them …

Ali Baba in traditional dressBabouchesBoats in harborCamels ... notice the baby camels to the leftPool at Riad BaytiSaadian Tombs

Btw, you can leave comments on the photos in Gallery … if anyone cares!

Morocco Photos

Turtle at our riad laying in the Sun

2008 Morroco & Spain

I am in the process of sorting, editing, and uploading photos from Morocco & Spain! Click above to get to the gallery.

Cheers!

Back from vacation …

Yes, unfortunately, we had to come back from our vacation to Morroco & Spain! We had a great two weeks (or nearly that) of vacation in two amazing countries - they are places that both Jill & I want to visit again. Here is a brief summary of the trip:

Highlights:

  • Riad Bayti in Marrakesh
  • Badi Palace in Marrakesh
  • Freshly squeezed OJ
  • and many more …
Lowlights:
  • Essouira
  • Delayed ferry from Tangiers to Algercias
  • Tajines
Anyway, I will try to get photos and more thorough descriptions up soon!

Cheers!