Hispaniola Calling

by Adrienne Wilson on

Sometime in say, the next three months I am planning to escape to the Caribbean and this year’s pick happens to be the island in the West Indies comprised by the two countries we know as the Dominican Republic and Haiti. I want to go to both. As much as I like digging my toes into the sand on the beach while reading the latest top-selling book on all the lists, I also take great fancy in being productive, learning while touring and lending a helping hand. Haiti isn’t a place I got ignited about visiting after watching Pitt & Jolie hang around with Wyclef Jean, I’d always wanted to go. Having a few friends that are from there, but have yet to go back and wish very little to go back has always intrigued me. The political climate is no secret to me and aside from all the negative images there is an enormous amount of culture and beauty to be found. I want to find it. In fact, I’d love to have Wyclef take me on a tour similar to the one the Brad & Angelina received and see what’s happening with Yéle and Haiti combined.

In regards to the Dominican Republic, I’m looking for beach, sun, fun, dance and more importantly Larimar. Ever since my eyes laid sight on the Pectolite it has become my own “precious” of sorts and I must visit the museum and the mines. I’m told a trip to the mines might change my mind about ever owning a piece of Larimar jewelry, but there is no hiding, running, or turning back now. I want to see the mines.

Yes, my agenda seems and sounds quite set right now, but I’ve got some weeks to plan and I’m opening it up for some reader recommendations. Like Neil, before he took off for Albania and pooled for some additional ideas if anyone says “don’t go” I’ll be obliged to ignore.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of December 24

by Adrienne Wilson on

Before you start rattling off with excuses about how the family was visiting from Buffalo or how you got tied up under the mistletoe, please do me one small favor. Spare the sob story. I don’t care why you couldn’t get here or what could have been more important than getting your travel fix, but you’re lucky that I’m nice and feeling the holiday spirit for I’m giving you the gift of checking out what you missed!

5. Would You Like Polonium With That?:
Folks following the case of the Russian spy that was poisoned might be interested in filling their mouths with the very same cuisine the spy was noshing on when things went awry and sour in his stomach. Iva informs us that the Itsu in London isn’t doing so well at the moment and one can understand why, but the newest location in NYC is thriving. Someone daring enough to try the hamachi?

4. He’s BaaaaaacK! Michael Jackson in Vegas:
I’m not going to say a whole lot here. Erik already did a fine job of that, but in short the King of Pop shall be performing in Vegas. C’mon you know and I know you’re dying to see Mike!

3. Emirates Airlines to Allow Cell Phone Talk on Flights:
Starting in January 2007, Emirates Airlines will be the first to allow cell phones use during flights. If you’re not a fan of cell phones in general or someone babbling in your ear it may be time to invest in some ear plugs.

2. Expense Reports: The Bane of Travel Writers:
Okay, this is funny because if you’ve ever needed a receipt for any job, not just travel writing you can relate. Expense reports are just not fun, but such is what must be done when traveling on the company’s dollar.

1. Not Taking Vacation! Shame on You!:
This is too hard to believe. There are people (American people) who actually don’t take their vacation days off. It is just jaw-dropping. We’re not saying take the one or two weeks and go to Tonga, but geez, give yourself the opportunity to kick back at home and watch the Discovery Channel for crying out loud. Take a break!

Diddy Spends Thousands on Private Jet for Luggage

by Adrienne Wilson on

Usually, I wouldn’t bother opening the forwarded crap my friends feel the need to flood my email with, but this one caught my eye. Why? Because it is travel related and I thought even if I didn’t want to know or care there is someone out there drooling and waiting for this type of material to pop up in the blogosphere. In other words it is my loyal duty to Diddy lovers across the planet to spread the news.

So where was I? Ah, Yes…If all the world could have the luxury of spending $16,200 dollars on a private jet to have their excess Louis Vuitton luggage transported from France to Rome, what might the world be like? Apparently Diddy (also known as P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, & Sean Combs) dropped this kind of dough on a private jet when he was informed there wasn’t enough room on his private flight to lug it all.

Lifestyles of the rich and famous – I just don’t get it at times. Diddy if you’re out there listening or reading I’d love to skate off to France and Rome. I’m more than willing to stay in hostels and pay my airfare over if you’d like to donate $16,200 to SallieMae, my sweet student loan provider – yeah. Um, call me.

via AOL Black Voices

Le REX Hotel

by Adrienne Wilson on

A lucky little poot of a friend of mine gets whisked away to France for the Jazz in Marciac festival to play with Wynton Marsalis and does me the favor of sending this link to Le REX Hôtel where he is presently camping out. Hisssss… Boo! Puh! No, no, what I mean is I’m happy for him. Really! With the link he states that the hotel is some thing rather amazing and from that point I found myself whisked away with the link.

Le REX Hôtel looks like one of those ultra design pads with neon glowing lights, see-through bathrooms, and extremely chic furniture from the bedroom to the lobby. If I were strolling along the outside the exterior would certainly have me wondering what the interior was like. Located at 10, cours Gambetta in Tarbes (the heart of the Pyrenees) other amenities and room features include sound-proof rooms, flat-screen TV, satellite channels, ADSL & WiFi, minibar, around the clock room service and shoe-shining service just to give you an idea.

Although virtually traveling to the place wasn’t so bad, I’d definitely say it seems worth checking out online and checking in if/when/while in France.

Tijuana, Mexico: Real Mexican Wrestling

by Adrienne Wilson on

As a child I would watch the WWF on television side-by-side with my kid bro and punish him later with some killer wrestling moves of my own. As a young girl I towered over the little pip-squeak and made him plead for mercy. I showed none. You could call me the ‘Macho Woman Adrienne Savage.’ These days I wouldn’t dare. In fact, I don’t even watch wrestling anymore. Whatever became of the WWF? It’s something else now, right? Through Nacho Libre it has worked its way back into my life. I want to be a kid again. I want to root for the underdog and for him to be a victorious champion and hero. I want to go to a real live wrestling match.

Tijuana. Jim Benning tells a tale of the real Nacho Libre in Tijuana, a popular Mexican border town outside of California for the Washington Post. Great fighters bounce from the ropes off each other’s chest sending the crowds into cheering mode. Few gringos are amongst the fans of El Hijo del Santo, Blue Demon Jr., and Rey Misterio. This is a better side of Tijuana. I suggest fans of the film click into this for a real taste of the wrestling scene.

In the mean time is there anyone who’d like to go? I promise not to use any sleeper holds and I don’t bite – anymore.