My Travels

I'm back again for a conference. Flew out on United Airlines and was able to snag a first class seat on the way out. Luckily, the Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue was able to accommodate an early check-in. The room was just the same as last time. They are renovating the executive lounge which made the perk inaccessible. I was given breakfast coupons for Luke in exchange. I tried the Southern Breakfast sans meat. I found the biscuit slightly salty but I'm prone to being salt sensitive. Not a good thing when it comes to Southern cooking. For lunch, went out to Ruby Slipper Café and ordered the Catfish St. Peter and a double Bellini. The meal was tasty and the service was quick and friendly. Did some antique and second hand clothing shopping before getting dessert at Sucre . The dessert shop sells gelato, baked goods, and chocolate. The gelato was ok but the smore's skillet was super tasty. Ruby Slipper Café Catfish St. Peter Sucre S'mores skillet a...

A real vacation on the Big Island! Flew out on United Airlines into Kona for a seven day adventure. Checked into the Hilton Grand Vacation Club King's Land after grabbing the rental from Budget . We were given a Chevrolet Terrain after the agent couldn't find the compact SUV originally booked. I guess someone needed the car more. It was a nice choice even though I am still anti-GM. Good fuel economy and pretty gutless. I guess you can't have good fuel economy and a super engine. Before getting into the hotel, did a stock up trip to Costco for the basics. Since the rooms are condo like, breakfast essentials and basic dinner staples were needed for meals. The poke in Costco is not cheap and you can find cheaper at Foodland . King's Land Living Room Suite Welcome King's Land Master Bedroom King's Land Kitchen (fancy stove) After settling in the hotel, relaxed and started to plan out the week's activities. Enjoyed a quick breakfast of Po...

Took a quick weekend trip and flew on United Airlines to SFO. Checked into the Hilton San Francisco Financial District after a brief snafu on the BART. I haven't been to this hotel location in a few years and they have upgraded their facility. There is now a hang out lobby lounge for Diamond and Gold HHonors members as well as the executive lounge opened seven days a week offering breakfast and evening snacks. I intended to see some friends and family but those plans fell through. Instead I opted to visit the California Sciences Academy . I was intrigued to visit a planetarium, aquarium, science museum, and botanical garden rolled into one facility. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was impressed with the facility. I found most of the exhibits interesting and wasn't able to view everything in one trip. Afterwards, visited Bi-Rite creamery to have a creme brûlée and and brown sugar with salted caramel and toffee sundae. Surprisingly, I did not like the toffee. It ...