Bags and Gear

We've read so many horror stories about pick-pocketing and theft that we are taking extra precautions. Right now, our project is looking for a good day/urban pack that is compact, stylish and safe. Saw a cute one at Zara for Jason, and a nice Diesel slingback for myself....

As for shoes, we are looking for comfort. I recently picked up a pair of sandals from Geox - doesn't look too orthopedic and can be worn with shorts, skirts and dresses. Jason still needs a good pair of walking shoes....I think he will be looking for another pair of Adidas. Flip-flops may cause calluses and corns after a long day of walking....the hunt continues :)

Things to do in Paris!

1. Thanks to my good friend Michelle...here is a link of great things to do in Paris :)
   
   http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/where_to_stay_in_paris.htm
   http://chsparis.com/vr/101.htm
   http://www.parismarkets.net/RueCler.html
   http://www.usatoday.com/travel/extraday/paris/worth.htm
   
   And thanks to Jason's cousin, Jasmine, here is her take on things in Paris......
   
   Foodie Spots to hit up in Paris Crepes
   
   My favorite crêpe stand is tucked into the end of rue de la Harpe, just outside the Cluny-La Sorbonne métro (on the 10), next to McDonalds. The metro stop is at the end of a street lined with Greek restaurants that ritualistically shatter plates outside their restaurant. Cool street to walk down. - I went there..SOOOO good....must go...best crepes I had all over paris
   
   Hot Chocolate – Angelina's, 226 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris --- by the Louve...make sure you try to get rsvp's. Have dessert there and hot chocolate - don't eat a real meal! COIN DES GOURMETS-(Vietnamese-Cambodian-Thai) A tiny, very popular restaurant in the Latin Quarter serving excellent Asian food. The Vietnamese ravioli are probably the best in town, and the fish steamed in banana leaves is an exotic taste treat. Friendly service, reasonable prices. Daily L&D. € 5 rue Dante (5th), 01.43.26.12.92. Cluny-La Sorbonne
   
   L'as du Fallafel. http://travel2.nytimes.com/top/features/travel/destinations/europe/france/paris
   34 rue des Rosiers, between Hôtel de Ville and St. Paul métros. Follow rue des Ecouffies a couple blocks behind Rivoli).Lilot Vache – although you read that it has become a tourist trap. The poisson soup (fish) is good, and the prime rib is good there too.
   

Places to party

1. Champs Elysses – Nirvana, Barfly, LaQueen – gay club, very famous institution. I haven't been there, but Zoe says it's a lot of fun
2. St. Honore Sqaure – Ritz, Hotel Costes (must check out....awesome music...nice atmosphere)
3. La Concord – BuddhaBar (can have one expensive drink to check out then leave) --not impressed.....
4. Can check out Cabaret show at Moulin Rouge – there's a party spot there as well in the same building - Touristy
5. Couple of places around Bastille – Barrio Latino (should be good)I went to Bound for dinner..REALLY GOOD! MUST hit up LV on Champ Elysses....stores are closed on Sundays, so if you are there on a Sunday, do tourisy stuff

Spanish Cuisine!

Barcelona Cuisine

So resourceful Jason found this really cool article in the NY times today on Barcelona cuisine....

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/travel/03choice.html

So many places to eat, so little time.... :)

Resto reco by my brother:
Salamanca - Paella...
Almirant Cervera, 34, 27Barcelona, CT 08003 Spain

Parc Guelle
Nice park in Barcelona


Madrid Cuisine

Here is what I found on a site! You can do you own tapas tour!

Evening tapas customary: Since 8 pm.
Follow this route to do a tapas tour by your own:
Calle de la Salud (your hotel), Calle del Carmen, Puerta del Sol, Carrera de San Jeronimo, Calle Victoria (all about 10 minutes).
At calle Victoria:
- Venta El Buscón (try salmorejo)
- Alhambra (traditional bar)
- La Casa del Abuelo: gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns)
At calle Alvarez Gato:
- Las Bravas: patatas bravas (diced fried potato with cayenne sauce)
- La Fragua de Vulcano: langostinos cocidos (boiled king prawns)
At plaza de Santa Ana:
- La Moderna: pez espada ahumado (smoked swordfish)
- Cerveceria Alemana: sardina rebozada (battered sardine)