Travel | She Scribes

One of my favorite “hidden gems”

April 25, 2013 By Kimberly 11 Comments

I love books. I don’t always have the chance to read (in fact I next to never have a chance ), but I still love books. I’ve amassed a large collection over the years. I even have many books from my childhood that I had saved to share with my own children. I even saved some of my children’s favorite books to share with my grandchildren some day.

One of my life’s dreams even involves books. My #1 dream is to own a house (a nice house, not like the one from the Tom Hanks film Money Pit). My next dream is to take my family on a REAL vacation (like Disney World). I also wouldn’t mind a new (used) car and to be a “normal” weight. My life dream that involves books is to open up a used/new book store and coffee house. I have it all planned out. I would offer new and used books, host story time for children, offer workshops, crafts for children and more. I would also offer coffee, teas and baked goods from a local bakery. Of course renting a storefront and buying the supplies requires capital ($$$) which we simply do not have. I would be nice though.

One of the things on my “Bucket List” is to write a book – or – have one of my photographs appear in a book. That would be awesome too.

So as you can see, I ♥ books.

Yesterday was my husband’s birthday (he’s “29 and holding… ha ha). He wanted to spend the day walking around the town he grew up in – Nyack, New York. The weather was perfect and I love walking around Nyack, so that was fine with me.

Nyack is about a 19 miles (or a half hour give or take) Northwest of Manhattan (NYC). It’s an old town right on the Hudson River. Rosie O’Donnel has a beautiful house in Nyack. It’s even home to a haunted house that was the center of a lawsuit (Stambovsky vs. Ackley). The house on 1 LaVeta Place was declared legally haunted and the owners failed to disclose that to the new buyers.

Nyack’s business section is peppered with antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. Hidden among the stores is what I like to refer to as a “hidden gem”. The shop is called Pickwick Book Shop. It’s located at 8 S Broadway if you ever happen to be in the area.

Pickwick sells both new and used books (among other things). Most of the books are used. In fact, some are very old (very, very old!).

Books are not only on the floor to ceiling shelves but also piled high where ever you look (no exaggeration). It’s almost impossible to find anything specific you are looking for. It can also be a bit overwhelming at times. However I never go into the store with anything specific in mind. I go to browse and to see what surprises I can find.

Many of the books look like they came straight out of someone’s attic or from a garage sale. That is fine with me. Where a book comes from doesn’t affect it’s words or what the story is about.

I love to visit the Pickwick Book Store to explore the books. Every now and then I’ll find a book from my childhood, or I’ll stumble across an old, out of print book that looks interesting.

I love looking at the old illustrations. That is my favorite part about browsing through the books. Yesterday I found a “who done it” mystery book geared towards children (I can’t remember the title) where the girl on the cover was dressed like she was straight out of the Patty Duke show. I love it!

Books everywhere!

Hubby browsing the books.

My husband even found a few books over the years at Pickwick that he’s enjoyed, and my hubby is not much of a reader.

Children’s book, old cookbooks (the kind of cookbook your grandmother would have had), reference books… you name it, you can find it there.

The books are not always cheap, even the used books. But often you can score a great deal. They even have sales on books and in front of the store you’ll find boxes of books available for a dollar or two.

I’m sorry that a few of the photos are fuzzy. I always feel awkward taking pictures inside stores. I don’t want people to think that I’m up to no good.

If you happen to find yourself in Nyack, New York, and you love books, you might want to take some time to check out Pickwicks. While you are at it you should take a stroll around town and enjoy some good food and the various galleries. Or you can sit down by the Hudson River and relax for a bit.

Kimberly

*I was not compensated for this post. I am simply sharing a fun location to visit if you ever happen to be in the area.

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Filed Under: Baby, New York, Ramblings, Travel

A Visit to Batu Caves

April 18, 2013 By Kimberly

Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batu_Caves

Outside of Kuala Lumpur you will find Batu Caves, a Hindu religious shrine housed inside enormous limestone caves. Between cheeky monkeys, swarms of bats and colourful half-animal/half-human Hindu sculptures, it makes a fascinating daytrip.

It is worth venturing out of Kuala Lumpur to explore this unique cultural attraction and learn more about both the Hindu religion and limestone cave systems.

What Are the Batu Caves?

This attraction is one of the most popular Hindu shrines located outside of India. Approximately 7.1 per cent of Malaysians are of Indian origin. More than 86 per cent practice Hinduism. Malaysian Hinduism is diverse and there are many temples throughout the country dedicated to important Hindu deities.

It has a great deal of significance in the Hindu religion and is dedicated to Lord Murugan. During the festival of Thaipusam, Batu Caves is the focal point and the place where significant festivities occur.

What You Will Discover During Your Visit

When you approach the caves, you will see the enormous sculpture of Lord Murugan. This is the largest of its kind in the world. You will also be greeted by a staggering 272 steps of stairs up to the cave entrances.

It is quite the climb, but if your legs get tired, you can stop for a break and watch monkeys playing. Be careful though; don’t get too close to the mother monkeys with small babies and pay attention to your belongings. Monkeys have been known to snatch people’s things.

When climbing the stairs, you can turn around and look behind you to view some of the colourful sculptures around the gate, including the eye-catching depiction of the goddess Kamadhenu, who is a sacred “cow of plenty” with a human head and breasts.

Once at the top of the stairs, turn around to enjoy a beautiful view of Kuala Lumpur from above before heading into the dark caves.

The Batu Caves temple complex is made up of three main caves. The largest one is known as Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave and it has a 300-ft ceiling. This cave is filled with colourful and ornate Hindu shrines depicting important deities and figures in Hindu mythology. These sculptures are brightly painted and lit up with coloured spotlights. Plus, there is usually atmospheric sitar music playing.

The second cave is the Art Galley Cave, located across a bridge. This cave features a number of carvings and wall-paintings telling the story of Lord Murugan as well as other sacred Hindu legends.

The third cave is known as the Dark Cave and has natural wonders rather than religious ones. This is an important and protected ecological site home to a diverse number of species including bats, snakes and the endangered Trapdoor Spider. Deep in these pitch-black caverns, there is an entire world of creatures living amidst the damp limestone formations.

The Dark Cave can only be explored on a guided tour, led by a conservationist. A 45-minute tour of the cave costs 35 ringgit and the guides are knowledgeable about the complexities of the underground cave ecosystem and the species in it.

How to Get to the Caves

Getting to Batu Caves used to more time-consuming in the past, as it required a taxi or bus ride from the city. In 2010, a train link was built. You can now take the KTM Komuter Train from the KL Sentral train station and it will take you to Batu Caves. The train runs every 30 minutes and the tickets cost four ringgit return.

You will know when you have arrived at the caves, because you will see the enormous towering golden sculpture of Lord Murugan.

From gregarious monkeys to voluptuous sacred cows, the Batu Caves is certainly worthy of a day out of Kuala Lumpur.

About the Author: Anandi Mehra is a travel consultant and freelance writer. She likes to look on Expedia to find hotels in Kuala Lumpur and visit its many interesting attractions.

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

A Perfect Day in New York City

April 13, 2013 By Kimberly

This post is published as part of the 100 cities to home swap before you die initiative from Knok.com.

If you had the opportunity to live in any city around the world, even if it was just for a week or two, what city would you want to live in? Some cities that come to mind for me include Los Angeles, San Diego, Paris, London, Rome and Sydney.

I live just outside another amazing city – New York City. New York City is one of those cities you need to visit at least once in your life. Better yet – live in New York City, even if it’s for a week or two.

I was asked to write an article about a city I felt should be one of the top 100 cities to home swap before you die. The idea is from Knok, a online service that helps people find houses they can “swap” with other members.

If you ever saw the movie The Holiday, the lead characters Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) swap houses for the Christmas holiday. Amanda goes to live in Iris’s small cottage just outside of London, Englad and Iris travels thousands of miles from chilly England to the gorgeous sunny beaches of Los Angeles, CA. In the movie the ladies swap (or exchange) homes. That is the service that Knok provides it’s members.

When I was approached to write about a city I feel you should live in before you die, it’s only natural that New York City came to mind.

The number one thing I love about New York City is that there is so much to do no matter where you are in the city. Every day can be a new adventure for you if you were a New York City resident (even a temporary one).

I was asked to describe my perfect day in New York City. This is how I would love for my day to go.

My perfect day in New York City would start off with breakfast at the Russian Tea Room (150 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019). When I was a young girl my mom always talked about taking me to the Russian Tea Room. The restaurant was closed down for a long time for renovations. My mother passed away before she was able to take me there. It has been a life long dream of mine to go there at least once in my life. Therefore my perfect day in New York City would start off with breakfast at the Russian Tea Room. Eggs Benedict or Russian Toast both sound delicious.

After a satisfying breakfast I would head over to the Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium (200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024). I ♥ the museum! I could go there every day of the week and not get bored with it. There is so much to see there. My favorite places within the museum are the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, the North American and African Mammal Halls and all of the Dinosaur Halls.

Most people like to meander through the museum. Not me. I love to stop and read up on all the exhibits. That is why it takes me all day to just make my way through half the museum.

In addition I love to take in the latest show at the Hayden Planetarium. If you’ve never been to a planetarium before it’s a really cool experience.

After spending a few hours at the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium I’d like to head out across the street to Central Park for some lunch. I don’t need a sit down restaurant. There are plenty of side walk vendors that sell hot dogs, pretzels and ice cream. I would grab a hot dog and stroll through the park and admire it’s beauty. Maybe I would even stop and enjoy some entertainment by street performers.

After a brisk walk through the park and an on-the-go lunch I would make my way down to Rockefeller Center and make my way up to the Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112). The Top of the Rock is a observation platform high above the city, located at Rockefeller Center. Visitors can get an amazing panoramic view of New York City.

Once I was finished at the Top of the Rock I would do some window shopping along 5th Avenue. One of my favorite shops to explore is FAO Schwarz Toy Store. I wouldn’t mind stopping by Lindt too for some truffles.

After all that walking and shopping I would need to have something to eat. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants on every street in New York City. I’d like to take it one step further by having dinner on a Spirit Line Dinner Cruise. Not only can I rest my tired feet but I can also enjoy mouth watering food, live entertainment and spectacular views of New York City as we set sail on the Hudson River. We could even get up close to the Statue of Liberty.

This is how I would spend my perfect day in New York City. Of course this is only a tiny sampling of the wonderful things you can do in New York City. You can always enjoy a Broadway show, or even the Christmas Spectacular at Rockefeller Center during the holiday season (I highly recommend that show!). Time Square is a must see, especially at night. You can also check out places like the 911 Memorial, Madame Tussuad’s Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Empire State Building, sports and music events at Madison Square Garden, visit Grand Central Terminal, enjoy amazing foods in Little Italy, check out Peking Duck in China Town, enjoy some sweet treats at Dylan’s Candy Bar and so much more.

Something I really want to do is take a helicopter ride over Manhattan. I’ve taken a helicopter from Manhattan to an air strip in New Jersey, but I would love to also fly over New York City too.

If you ever have the opportunity to spend some time in New York City and really live here like a true New Yorker, you will never be at a loss for what to see or do. New York City is bursting with attractions, fine dining, great shopping and amazing history. That is why I feel that New York City is one of the top 100 places you should live before you die.

If you could recommend one city in the world to live in before you die, what city would you recommend? I would love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a comment and tell me more.

You can also find more New York City related posts and experiences here on my site. You can either do a search for New York City or you can click on the New York City tab in the drop down menu for Travel.

Kimberly

*I am receiving a gift for my participation in this campaign. There was no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.

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Filed Under: New York, New York City (NYC), Travel

A tour through Barcelona

April 10, 2013 By Kimberly

Barcelona. As the capital of the Region of Catalonia, the city of Barcelona offers a unique mix of medieval charm and avant-garde grandeur evident its abundant historical and cultural gems. This picturesque city attracts millions of visitors every year that are interested in discovering new experiences. There is so much to do in this picturesque town, that many visitors don’t know where to start!

A Barcelona airport shuttle is the best way to get to the city. There are many different transportation methods in Barcelona, but taking the metro is perhaps the best choice for the majority. The metros in Barcelona are clean and will take you to almost any destination. The buses and taxis are other great options, since most of them are very safe and clean. There are more info here about Barcelona transport.

There are lots of tourist posts all over the city that will be available for visitors. A typical tour in Barcelona may start at the old harbor, called Port Vell, to look at the slowly rocking boats. Afterwards, La Rambla Boulevard may be the next destination; in La Rambla, you’ll view the impressive plazas including the popular Plaza de España and Plaza Catalunya. The next logical step would be visiting the Gothic Quarters, which are the centre of the old city of Barcelona. There is no better way to explore the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter than by foot. Proceed with a visit to Barcelona’s most popular attraction: la SagradaFamilia, a large, unfinished Catholic Basilica designed by world famous architect Antoni Gaudi. Of all of the city’s attractions, la Sagrada Familia is visited by the most quantity of people. Millions are interested in exploring the cathedral’s picturesque design. It is currently the only cathedral in the world that is still under construction. The Cathedral has thousands of admirers and detractors from all around the world. For art lovers, there is the Picasso Museum. This museum houses many of Picasso’s earliest works, and even though it does not have any of Pablo Picasso’s most famous paintings, it remains as one of the most popular museums in Barcelona. For those interested in seeing Picasso’s early sketches, this is the place to be.

Barcelona’s gastronomy is known all over Europe for its uniqueness. Trying Barcelona’s famous tapas is almost a requisite for any visitor. Barcelona’s tapas may surprise you, since they aren’t anything like the ones you’ve tried in other parts of Europe. In this city, tapas are the deep expression of a brave and original food culture; one that boasts unique ingredients and techniques that have been used for generations. You will also find many Catalan dishes such as escalivada, an interesting salad consisting of eggplant, red pepper, tomatoes, sweet onions, salt, olive oil and vinegar.

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Capturing the Golden Era of Las Vegas

April 1, 2013 By Kimberly

“Las Vegas is the only place I know where money really talks–it says, ‘Goodbye.’” - Frank Sinatra, “The Joker Is Wild”

During the 1960s, Las Vegas was the height of glamour. On any given night you could catch Frank Sinatra crooning at the Sands, showgirls strutting their stuff at the Flamingo and the rich, famous and fabulous mingling in any number of casinos and hotel bars.

While Vegas is still a playground for adults — and still attracts a fair number of celebrities — much of the “old” Las Vegas has been replaced with casinos, resorts and attractions locked in an endless battle to see who can be the most extreme. In a town that turns demolition into a spectator sport, it’s hard to find vestiges of the original, glamorous Golden Age.

It’s not all gone, though, and for those visitors who want to catch a glimpse of what Vegas was like long before the zip lines and the aquariums and the Broadway shows, there are a few hidden gems that offer a peak into what it was like just a few decades ago.

Where to Stay

Before construction began on the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, Las Vegas was just another dusty desert town. However, it still offered lodging to weary travellers passing through, and the first Vegas hotel, the Golden Gate, opened near what is now the Fremont Street Experience in 1906. The landmark still stands, as does the site of longest-running casino in Las Vegas, El Cortez. While some find hotels in Vegas to be over the top, at these spots, you’ll get a true sense of what it was like in the city in its earliest days.

If you’re more interested in “Rat Pack” era Las Vegas — and want to see where legendary performers like Sinatra and Dean Martin once strutted their stuff — book a room at the Flamingo or the Riviera, which have successfully held on to some of their 1960s mystique while offering more modern accommodations.

What to See

At one time, you could see legendary Las Vegas showgirls in nearly any casino or ballroom. These days, the showgirls have been replaced with illusionists, burlesque (or more risqué) performances and big-name entertainers like Cher and Bette Midler.

However, if your visit to Vegas won’t be complete without seeing women in large sequined and feathered headpieces in a choreographed routine, then reserve tickets for “Jubilee!” Performed nightly at Bally’s, this show is classic Las Vegas with a troupe of hundreds of showgirls singing and dancing in elaborately staged numbers. And while it’s impossible to see the original Rat Pack on stage, if you want to imagine what it was like, head to the Plaza Hotel and Casino to catch a performance of “The Rat Pack is Back,” featuring Frank, Dean, Sammy and Joey impersonators.

The best shows in Vegas aren’t limited to the stage though. Las Vegas itself is an ever-changing set, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the neon Boneyard, operated by the Las Vegas Neon Museum. Open by appointment only, the Boneyard is the world’s largest collection of unused neon signs, many of them recovered from legendary casinos and resorts. Even if you can’t make it to the Boneyard, the museum has several neon relics on display on Fremont Street, including the original neon genie’s lamp from the former Aladdin Casino.

Where to Eat

While cheap buffets and celebrity hot spots get most of the attention when it comes to eating in Vegas, if you want to dine in the old style (read: posh, red meat and wine), head a few minutes off the Strip to Golden Steer Steak House, an old-school spot that’s hosted Sinatra, Elvis and others. On the Strip, Lawry’s is the place for prime rib, while Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse in the Golden Nugget is another old-fashioned and well-loved steak joint.

Whether you’re sipping a martini in the Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge, a swanky bar that’s been among the most popular since the 1970s, or taking a self-guided walking tour of vintage neon signs, it’s possible to capture the spirit of the old Las Vegas and find pockets of nostalgia in an ever-changing city. So pack your fedora and your best cocktail dress and hit the town to see Vegas as Sinatra did — your way.

About the Author: Vivian Monson mourns that fact that she was born too late to enjoy the Golden Era of Las Vegas — she wished she could have seen the Rat Pack perform at the Sands. She writes about travel and entertainment for several blogs, and is planning to visit the neon Boneyard on her next trip to the desert.

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Filed Under: Travel

Dramamine to the Rescue!

January 2, 2013 By Kimberly

I don’t mind traveling at all. I’m not a huge fan of sitting on an airplane for too long (it kills my back!) but I don’t really mind it. I’m also OK with long car rides. I used to date a guy that lived 6 hours from where I lived. I would make that drive almost every weekend to visit him. I’d leave Friday after work and come home late on Sunday night. I honestly don’t mind driving. However I cannot be in the backseat of a car. No way!

I never used to get motion sickness. I used to love rides that went around and around and upside down. Now even going on a simple Merry-Go-Round can make me sick to my stomach. It wasn’t always like that. It only came about when I was pregnant with my daughter. I guess that did something to my equilibrium.

I also had to give up being a chaperone for class trips when I found out the hard way that riding on the bus make me sick too. I remember coming home from a field trip that was only an hour long drive and I thought I was going to totally lose it about 1/2 way home. It was the worst feeling ever!

I discovered Dramamine a few years ago. I had heard of it before, but it wasn’t until my first trip out to LA back in 2010 did I actually try it. Thank goodness! It made my trip much more enjoyable, especially because I had to go around town in the back of a van.

Recently I attended an event in New York City. I forgot to pick up more Dramamine for my trip, but I figured I’d be OK since it’s only about an hour drive, depending on traffic. I was in the backseat the whole time (I was driven by a car service) but I thought I’d be OK.

I was not. Far from it!

By the time I arrived at my destination I was so sick to my stomach that I didn’t want to move. THANKFULLY there was a pharmacy on the corner so I was able to rush over and pick up something to help my queasy stomach and some Dramamine for the trip home. Thank goodness! Having the Dramamine for the trip home was a huge help otherwise I don’t think I could have made it. Dramamine came to my rescue!

Dramamine is the leading brand of motion sickness for adults, but did you know that they also extended their line to include Dramamine for Kids?

According to an Omnibus Study in June 2011, 34% of households with children ages 2-12, have a child with motion sickness. This is three times the rate for adult motion sickness (10% of households.) Motion sickness is most prevalent in cars, followed by airplanes and boats. Typical symptoms are nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

Dramamine for Kids treats the same symptoms that adults feel including nausea, dizziness and even vomiting. It helps to prevent motion sickness before it happens as long as you follow the directions and take the Dramamine as directed. Dramamine for Kids is safe for kids. It even comes in a children’s dose so there is no need for parents to cut up the other (adult) tablets.

The last thing you want when you are visiting family and friends for the holidays, or en-route to a long awaited summer vacation, is a family member sick. Dramamine for Kids can help to prevent that problem.

Dramamine for kids comes in a safety travel case that includes 8 chewable tablets in a kid friendly grape flavor.

They also have Dramamine Less Drowsy. It’s the same relief as the original, but without the unwanted side effect of drowsiness. Honestly I never feel drowsy when I take regular Dramamine. I guess it affects people differently.

Dramamine Less Drowsy helps to relieve motion sickness symptoms with less drowsiness for up to 24 hours with just one tablet. Each vial comes with 8 tablets.

I would suggest keeping a few vials on hand. I have one in my car, one in my husband’s car and one at home just in case. You never know when you might need them.

The next time you are planning a trip make sure to bring along Dramamine for Kids and Dramamine Less Drowsy. You’ll be glad you did.

If you would like to learn more about Dramamine products visit www.Dramamine.com. You can also follow the brand on Facebook and on Twitter.

Kimberly

*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.