Free Weekend Getaway with Chef Bonnie

Most of the schools in US have closed down for summer and people are frantic planning their family vacations as the heat turns up in Sunny California! For those of you who have not yet experienced the sunny shores and the cool waters of the Pacific, here's something that could get you closer to a romantic Southern California getaway, which also includes a surprise package for food-lovers like me!

As the economy vacillates between good and not-so-good forecasts, everyone is looking for a way to cut costs, or better yet, find free stuff! So I was really happy to receive this email in my inbox about a free weekend getaway in a Southern California vacation rental home, sponsored by VacationRentals. For those of you who haven't heard about them, it is a popular website for vacation homes that connects property owners with vacationers seeking a private, home-like atmosphere for their accommodations. Something like finding a hotel, except this is more like a private home or retreat, which I'm sure you'd enjoy on a vacation. I did find a great deal on something I was looking for, but what caught my eye, and got me into writing this post is the current sweepstakes that they are offering! Just a little something to test your luck!:)

They are sponsoring a giveaway which features a vacation getaway in a Southern California vacation rental home where Chef Bonnie, (yes, the chef from Food Network and Hells Kitchen) will cook a gourmet meal for you in the rental home that the winners book!! The Prize includes money towards airfare, rental, and the personal gourmet meal cooked just for you! Bonnie Muirhead is a 26-year-old nanny and personal chef from Los Angeles, CA, was a finalist in the hell's Kitchen-Season 3, and missed winning the title by a few inches. However, those who have seen her know she's a great cook, and if given a chance, who wouldn't wish to be served by a Gourmet Chef?

So for those who are interested, and who have a history of being lucky, can try a hand at winning the Chef Bonnie Weekend Getaway, or any other of their Golf & Spa vacations by entering the sweepstakes over at Vacation Rentals. It is free, it is valued at $5,000, and it only takes a few minutes of your time; but if you win it, those would be a few minutes very well-invested!

For those who think this is a waste of time, here are some other interesting weekend destinations in California, just in case your travel plans happen to bring you over to the west coast!

Lake Tahoe - All-Season Travel Guide
Napa & Sonoma Valley - Wine, Food & Scenic Countryside
A Visitor's Guide to San Francisco

Skiing in Switzerland - Europe

(Views from our hotel in Interlaken!)

As winter sets in, there's one thing that excites me as much as my Baking, and that is the prospect of going Skiing! I'm not an expert skiier, nor pursue it with great dedication; BUT, I LOVE skiing, and make it a point to indulge in this fabulous sport at least once or twice a year. So, this post is for all of you who share the love of skiing. As we are planning our next Ski Holidays trip, I thought sharing this writeup would be an interesting weekend read if you love winter sports, especially Skiing! Its a weekend post, and I'm entitled to write something other than a recipe on a Saturday, right?:) Plus, many of you asked me to post about my trip, so here's to all those requests!

Living in Northern California, we have several Ski destinations close-by accessible by car. Tahoe and Dodge Ridge remain our favorites, as they are both close by and we can plan a weekend ski trip. But I'd love to go to Colorado sometime! However, after our recent trip to Switzerland, one look at the magnificent Swiss Alps and both me and my husband have become huge fans! It is indeed the best place to vacation, if you like nature and peace! The only place, perhaps, where you can enjoy green fields, waterfalls, sunny lakes and snow-capped mountains, all in the same vacation!

There are several great Ski resorts in Europe to choose from - Austria, Switzerland, Italy and of course, I'd love to ski France too! But for this post, I'll simply share our experience in Swiss and the surrounding countryside. We had the pleasure of visiting Mount Matterhorn, which is famous as the "most photographed mountain in the Alps"; The view of its triangular peak is already breathtaking from the valley village of Zermatt, where we stayed. It is a quaint town to enjoy the country-side, and the best part is, it is Care-free Town! So you either walk, ride a horse-carriage, or use the electric tram within the village!

(can you spot the Skiiers?!)

To enjoy skiing, you'd have to head to Klein Matterhorn, Europe's highest cable station at 12,530 feet. From there, you can ski north to Zermatt (which is the easiest one!), south to Cervinia (in Italy), or just stay at the top of the peak and enjoy some spectacular peaks in the Alps, including the mighty Matterhorn. The best part, this is one place which offers Skiing all year round, so you can make the most of your skiing holidays any time you visit! There are several hotels and ski resorts to choose from, and I'm sure any online travel adviser will be able to help you find what suits your need.

( Happy Vacationers & the JungFrau Express - Me, Bhavin, my brother Arpit & his wife Preeti)

Next we headed to Jungfrau, the top-most peak of Europe, accessible by train or cable car. Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Grindelwald and Mürren are some of the best ski and travel destinations in the world. We stayed in Interlaken, which is aptly known as the "Gateway to JungFrau" With majestic views of the surrounding countryside, glaciers and the renowned Alpine range, its like a dream-come-true for the high-adrenaline adventure sports! BUT, let me remind you that is is NOT for the faint-hearted. Skiing in the Alps is tough, and should not be attempted unless you are an Expert! For those like us who want to have the fun but are scared of the ski slopes, you can always find activities like Snowboarding, Sledging, or the more relaxed Train Ride to JungFrau, which is both, picturesque and safe! Believe me, even if you do nothing, at least take this Train - its about $150 per person, but its totally worth it!

If Skiing is not your forte, don't worry, there's loads of things to do in Switzerland, and you'll not be disappointed. But if you do get a chance, try doing some snow-activity in the Alps - there is no other experience like it!

But hey, now we are back in US, and we'll have to settle for Skiing in Tahoe, so no more lingering on the Alps!! But in a way, I'm happy I got to see those majestic views, and now we can actually enjoy some mediocre skiing in those first and second-level slopes, without breaking a bone or two! All budding Skiiers out there, be good, and be safe! Hope you enjoyed my weekend rant, and I'll be back with a recipe on Monday, I promise!:)

Napa & Sonoma Valley - Wine Tours, Food and Scenic Countryside

Napa Valley, famous around the world as the Wine Country, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California. More than five million visitors come each year, often overcrowding the roadways on summer weekends. Peak times are the summer months and the harvest "crush" during September and October. Napa Valley is home to more than two hundred wineries. With wine as a focus, great dining naturally emerged to compliment it, making it a food-and-drink lover's paradise!
Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summers tend to be hot and dusty, as well as decidedly crowded. Fall (September-November) combines fine weather with the grape harvest, and the wine-making season is on in full swing! The gloroious vineyards of the beautiful Sonoma county are a visual and gratifying treat,irrespective of weather you are a tourist, foodie or a vintner! If you happen to be in California, you would definitely not want to miss a tour to Napa!

If this is your first time in the scenic napa Valley, and you are not sure what you'd like to do, take a moment to browse through this Napa Valley online Guide, which is like a complete directory of the wine country. You can't do the entire Wine Country in just one day! I'd concentrate on the Sonoma and Russian River valleys, which I think offer the best combination of food, wine, and outdoor activities. Calistoga, Hot Springs offers many excellent restaurants and shops, ballooning, cycling, jogging, tennis, golf and much more.

Sightseeing and Recreation
Napa Valley situated in the Bay Area in California, is the main wine growing region of the United States of America and one of the major wine regions of the world. On a day trip or a long weekend in the Napa Valley, you can revel in hedonistic pleasures some folks fly to France for: world-class wines at chateaulike wineries, innovative meals in elegant settings, memorable lodges surrounded by vineyards. It is also known for its gourmet restaurants, cafes, and spa-treatment centers. Named for the Roman goddess of abundance, Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts is a $50 million cultural centre, bringing together all things Wine Country in one smart package. Interactive exhibits include a wine-tasting station that demystifies the experience, preparing you to visit wineries unafraid. Every ticket includes free tastings and a cooking demonstration. Napa Valley Museum can be another worthy attraction for those of you interested in the history of the city. The famous Balloon Rides offered in Sonoma are an experience in themselves. As you soar through the scenic county at an altitude of 100 feet, you can witness some amazing natural beauty, not to mention the thrill of the ride itself. But reservations are recommended, and make sure to check that you pick a good day, as winds determin the schedules for these baloon rides. If you are in the mood to splurge, check out the Napa Valley Wine Train, which is by far the best way to cover a range of hand-picked vineyards, free wine-tasting and lunch included! Biking along the vineyards is also a great way to check out the beautiful countryside.

Food and Restaurants
Everyone knows that a trip to Napa is incomplete without the famous wine tours. But even if you don't drink, there's a lot of food, history, resorts and natural beauty to keep you occupied. This place is like a heaven for food-lovers; with food that ranges from mediocre to exclusive, Napa Valley is a celebration of fine dining. There are many upscale restaurants that offer pairing of wine and food, combined with a decadent chocolate experience. Chowhound offers some great suggestions for dining; there's also an Artisan Food and Wine Festival hosted every year, and is something you'd not want to miss!

Vineyards and Wine Tasting Tours
Most wineries offer tastings and/or tours of their products. The largest, most well known wineries such as Mondavi and Beringer are open daily with large hosting facilities and guided or reserved tours of the operation. The many smaller wineries may offer tastings only by appointment, but your tour or tasting may be conducted by the owner. Most vineyards charge a small fee for the tastings, especially at the more popular vineyards, perhaps $5-$10. Winery tours are generally very interesting and informative. Reserve room tastings provide an opportunity to sample expensive wines without having to spend a larger amount for a bottle. For novices like us, I'd recommend a guided tour; the California Wine Tours has several affordable options all year round to suit your budget and time of visit. Unless you are a wine connoiseur and know the area well, tours are simply the best way to take in the beauty and essence of the country!

I'd suggest having at least 3 days to really soak yourself in the Napa Valley. It acts like a wonderful retreat, and with the plethora or resorts and spas available, its the ideal destination for a romantic getaway! Sonoma County is the preferred destination, and is a great place to visit in summer or early fall. There's a lot you can do in the California Wine Country, but most of all, its the feeling of peace and relaxation that leaves an impression. The large open space, the beautiful and colorful countryside, the exotic villas and resorts, and of course, the food and wine, all these make Napa Valley a cherished tourist destination.

Plan a Day Trip to Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California

As the weekend approaches, we look forward to the beautiful summer weather, and I have a perfect place in mind to escape the heat (or enjoy the sun!) and relax in the golden solitude of mother nature. I'm talking about the Pfeiffer Big Sur State park, located 26 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. There are plenty of places to see in Northern CA, and most of them are great for day trips. But some of these places can get real chilly and windy, so it's always good to carry your coat! Pfeiffer is a beautiful beach, with a lot of scenic beauty and clean sparkling blue water, cliffs and trees. So I thought I'd share my experience with you, in case you ever decide to visit this lovely place.

It is believed that the name "Big Sur" is derived from the original Spanish-language "el sur grande", which translates as "the big south", and the entire coastal region between the San Francisco Bay area and the Los Angeles area comes under Big Sur Region. But the major attraction has always been the Pfeiffer beach, also a state park, or rather, the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, to be precise. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral trees and the most beautiful McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean, the beach and the fall with the rocks can be observed from the top of the several trails that run around the park. Between Partington Point and McWay Creek is the Underwater Area, which was established in 1970 and is now a scuba diving area for experienced divers with special permits.

Overlook trail is an excellent place to watch for gray whales migrating southward to their breeding and calving grounds off the Baja California coast in December and January, and returning north to their summer feeding grounds in the North Pacific during march and April. Sea otters can sometimes be seen in the cove, and harbor seals and California sea lions are occasional visitors. This rocky cliff is also home to many sea and shore birds like Sleek black cormorants, seagulls, brown pelicans, and black oystercatchers also make an appearance. You can find more information about other parks at this website

There are several nice restaurants and inns overlookign the sea as you drive up to the park. We stopped at the BigSur Lodge/Restaurant featuring patio dining right next to the Big Sur river. And they had chairs running along the small creek where you could sit and relax, leaving all your troubles behind as the tingling water soothed your feet and mind. The rustic yet luxurious hotels, or the numerous campgrounds cater to your urge for a weekend getaway or the adrenaline rush for some outdoor adventure!! There are also several spas along the coast which are sure to blow you away.

So what are you waiting for?? If you are in the bay area this weekend, try making a day trip to this heavenly place and rediscover your true self!!

Visitor's Guide to San Francisco Bay Area - Part 1

One of the most sought-after tourist destinations in USA has to be the city of San Francisco, which, like New York, is termed as the city that never sleeps. A beautifully designed city on the Bay at the western coast of US, this place has something interesting, exciting and fulfilling to offer to every individual; whether you are a nature-lover, a water-sports person, love architecture and history, are an avid shopper, an adventurer or a foodie like me, you will never be disappointed in SFO, and will always come back for more too! But 2 days is a very short time to capture the essence of the city; ideally, you at least need a week to revel and appreciate what SFO has to offer. But not many of us have the luxury to spend more than a weekend for short getaways. So as a resident of this area who loves travelling and blogging, I am honored to play a guide to your San Francisco Bay trip, guiding you through the must-see places and tourist attractions in and around the city, and making sure that you can experience the most of this place in a short span of 2-3 days!

Main Attractions
The first thing you need to check before booking your tickets is the weather! SFO is generally chilly and covered with fog, and rains are a common story here. So make sure you choose a correct time and season for your trip. If you are planning to stay at a hotel in SFO, choose one close to the downtown; another option would be to rent a car and find a more affordable accomodation someway closer to SF like San Mateo. Then plan your day around the attractions I discuss below, preferably in the order I've given as it will be the best use of your time.

Pier 39 - The first stop in your trip, and also the most convenient to start your sight-seeing is the Pier 39 in downtown SFO. There are several paid parking lots around the pier, but I'd advise you to park your car in the first empty lot that you see and walk along the sea for a beautiful view of the city, the bay and also for saving on parking fees. Using the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)is another convenient option, and you can plan a trip by checking available routes and schedules here. This Pier has a lot of shops and a few restaurants, and a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, you can easily see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and the Alcatraz form the pier. As you walk inside, there's a fresh-fruit shop which has luscious strawberries, cherries and other fruits served with chocolate dipping sauce; these are the best fruits I've seen in the area, so be sure to try some! And when you walk to the other side of the pier, you'll see a large colony of sea-lions, more than you have ever imagined! The place stinks though, and is filled with the noise of the animals, so you might want to take a quick picture and walk on.

Aquarium of the Bay - Located right on Pier 39, this exhibit features over a thousand new animals, and opens up a fascinating world of the acquatic life in and around the bay. The adventure continues through a moving walkway which will take you through 2 crystal clear tunnels, 300 feet in length & with a view of more than 23,000 aquatic creatures. It also features touch pools, where you can touch live bat rays & leopard sharks, something your kids would surely fascinate!



Fisherman's Wharf - A short walk from the Pier 39 is the Fisherman's Wharf, and the walk is a lovely one with chocolate and food shops lined up along the street. To add to the merriment, you'll also find a lot of performers trying to entertain you, artists with stalls making funny caricatures for a minimal fee, some vendors selling artificial jewellery and some others selling sea-shell ornaments. Fisherman's Wharf is famous for its freshly-served lobsters, so if you are a seafood-lover, be sure to try one of these.



Ghiradelli Square - Coated in tradition and history, Ghirardelli Square is one of San Francisco's most treasured landmarks, the most famous one being the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, where you ca not only savor the delicious chocolate and goodies, but also see how it is actually made! And you cannot go without tasting the Chocolate Brownie Sundae!!! There are also other restaurants and shops in the square that you can browse, or just sit and relax a bit enjoying the cool air and your ice cream.



Union Square - Union Square is the central shopping, hotel and theatre district in San Francisco, California. It boasts six major department stores, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Barneys New York, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Union Square is also home to several famous upscale boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs, and Hermes. The Macy's building is huge and impressive, and you can also catch a live performance at the small outdoor stage, or join in the fun yourselves when they host free-form dancing and salsa.



Lombard (Crooked) Street - This street is more famous by the name of "Crooked Street",and is basically a winding road between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. The whole San Francisco city resides on a hill, and all roads are like a roller-coaster ride. Lombard street has 8 sharp turns or switchbacks, and is lined by magnificent homes on both sides, and an abundance of flowers and blossoms. It's exciting and fun to drive down this street, or just walk down through the steps on the side. The top of the street also offers spectacular views of the city set out across the bay.



SFO City Tour - There's a lot to see in the city, but if it is your first time here, be sure to ride one of the SFO City Tours on Motorized Cable Cars or the open-top Double-Decker Buses. They are the best way to get acquainted with the city, and they also cover major attractions in a span of 2-3 hours, places where you'd rather just take pictures and walk on. Some of the major sites it covers are the Palace of Fine Arts - a beautiful palace with brilliant architecture located by a lake in a serene setting, The Coit Tower which offers a beautiful birds-eye view of the city from the top of the observatory, The Presidio of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, Pacific Heights, Union Square and Financial district and the world famous Chinatown and Little Italy. Priced at an affordable $25 per person, this surely is a fun way to take a quick glimpse of the city so you know where you'd like to spend more time. Another highlight of this tour would be that you'd be able to enjoy the lovely old Victorian homes in downtown SFO, and also revel in the beauty of ancient architecture with a spanish charm. The houses and some buildings are adorned with beautiful arches, balustrades and balconies; truly something anyone would be interested in looking at!



Chinatown - San Francisco's Chinatown is one of North America's largest and also the oldest Chinatown. Established in the 1850s, it has been featured in popular culture, such as in film, music, photography, and literature. The entrance to this town is marked by the famous Dragon Gate on the corner of Bush Street and Grant Avenue; St. Mary's Park is home to a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, a war memorial to Chinese war veterans, and a plethora of stores, restaurants and mini-malls that cater mainly to tourists. The other end at Stockton Street mainly presents an authentic Chinese look and feel, reminiscent of Hong Kong, with its produce and fish markets, stores, and restaurants. Another major focal point in Chinatown is Portsmouth Square, an open space that bustles with activity such as Tai Chi and old men playing Chinese chess. A replica of the Goddess of Democracy (made of bronze and weighing 600lb) used in the Tiananmen Square protest was built in 1999 by Thomas Marsh, and stands in the square. You can easily spend 2-3 hours in this small town if you are interested in the culture and the food.

Restaurants and NightLife- How can we mark the end of a day without relishing the large spread of food that this city offers! And San francisco is also considered to be one of the most happening places in USA, and is home to several mediocre and up-scale nightclubs and lounges. A quick look at the websites I list below should help you find what you need. Food options range from every possible cuisine and is hard for me to list the restaurants here. But there's plenty to explore, so enjoy your evening and have a good night's sleep to begin fresh for Day 2 of our trip as we have more to cater to in this dazzling city!!

Useful Resources:
San Francisco/Things to do
San Francisco Shuttle Tours
SF Travel/ Attractions
Restaurants and Hotel Guide

With this, we complete the first day of our SFO adventure. Hope this provided a comprehensive guide about what's most important on your first visit. We've covered all the major San Francisco attractions, and will dedicate the second day to Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the beautiful Japanese Tea Gardens, and finally find some time to explore the quaint town of Sausalito. So stay tuned for Part 2!!

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide - A destination for any season!

One of the primary reasons I love living in Northern California is that there are so many weekend destinations around the area and so much to explore, and one such natural wonder is the panoramic Lake Tahoe. It's a name everyone in USA must have heard about, and no matter how much praise you have heard for it, experiencing it yourself will always beat hearing about it!! Heavenly and Divine is how I would describe Lake Tahoe, and if you haven't visited this lake before, read on to find out what you might be missing!!

Formed by a geological block (normal) fault about 2 to 3 million years ago, the Lake Tahoe Basin is about 22 miles (35 kms) long and 12 miles (19 kms) wide, and the second deepest lake in US after Crater Lake in Oregon. Large number of streams empty their water into this lake which is drained into the Truckee river which flows northeast through Reno and into Pyramid Lake in Nevada.

Summer Activities in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe offers something for everyone, young or adult, and any time of the year. The other places are famous for summer campings and outings or winter sports, but this is one place which will captivate you with numerous activities throughout the year. In summer, the aqua-blue clean sparkling water of the lake invites you to take a dip into the lake or relax along its shore. Hiking, biking, camping, golf, tennis, fishing, boating and other water-sports will keep you engaged for the entire day, and the quiet night life will cater to your pleasant yet peaceful evenings. You can even go white-water rafting along truckee for some serious yet safe fun in the water. For the less adventurous people, drive around the lake's periphery in South Lake Tahoe to visit the famous Emerald Bay, and take a hike down to the Vikingsholm Castle. I also strongly recommend the Gondola Ride at Heavenly Mountains in summer for amazing views of the lake and the surrounding hills, and priced at $24 per person, it's a steal!! There are also carriage rides that take you around town, and the Emerald Bay Cruise at dinner time is ideal for a romantic evening on the lake. If this is not enough, there are museums and churches for the art-lovers, shopping and casinos in Reno for the nightlife enthusiasts, and luxurious spas and salons for those in need of a stress-busting vacation!!

Winter Activities in Lake Tahoe
As far as fun in the winter is concerned, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for skiers!! With a wide variety of slopes and mountains, it offers a huge range of skiing options for beginners, intermediates and experts. Heavenly Ski Resort is the most famous one in South Lake Tahoe, especially for beginners, and that is precisely where we went. The valley is beautiful, offers reasonably-priced ski lessons, and even if you cannot ski, the lesson ticket includes a ski-lift ride which takes you up to the mountain peak from where the view of the blue lake set amidst the white country is simply spectacular!! You can choose to ski down or come back in the lift. Snowboarding is another fun activity if you are not in the mood to ski, or you can take a sledge ride! We spent a great deal of time making snowman and sculptures in the area behind our hotel, and of course, throwing snowballs at each other was a highly cherished passtime too! Driving down to Reno in the evening is a suggested winter activity. Even if you don't gamble, the nightlife is worth the drive.


Hotels and accomodations are easy to find in Lake Tahoe and are affordable if you book in advance. There's a great rush for the ski season, so book your ski packages well before you plan to go. You can also find some houses to rent if you are going in a larger group. For more information, here are some useful sites:

Tahoe Visitor Guide
Tahoe-Best Places to visit
Things to do in Lake Tahoe

So if Lake Tahoe Travel is not on your to-do list, now is the time to add it there. Be it summer, sprint or winter, Lake Tahoe is an all-year-round destination full of activities and natural beauty that you don't want to miss!

Exploring Las Vegas - A picturesque walk along the famous strip

We visited Las Vegas second time last week, and this time we had a better camera and better photography skills to capture the essence of this beautiful man-made wonder of a city. It is awe-inspiring to see how this luxurious and vibrant city holds its stand amidst an acrid and dry desert. For the benefit of those who might not be familiar with the history of Las Vegas, let me give you a brief introduction about th origins of this city.

It started as a place to gamble for the miners in the desert who stayed there in the smoldering heat day-in and day-out, looking to strike rich. They started a simple gambling group to pass time, and slowly it picked up among the gangsters as Mafia crawled in to build hotels to enable people to gamble with each other. Thus was born the "Las Vegas Strip", with names like Toni Cornero and martin pretty famous in the "Mojave Desert". For a long time, the mafia controlled the betting and gambling world of Vegas, until one day in the 1960's, the famous Howard Hughes moved in here to make movies and started buying hotels left and right, in an attempt to eradicate the Mafia influence and turn Las Vegas into a "Classy Tourist Attraction". As more and more people learned about this, they supported Hughes and Las Vegas began to attract film and show producers, young and aspiring actors, and savvy entrepreneurs who saw a lot of money in the gambling industry. The infamous Strip now turned into a legit and classy strip lined with magnificent, grand and extravagant Casinos which still attract thousands of people from all around the world to indulge in fun, gambling and architecture that makes Las Vegas one of the highly-coveted destinations in USA. For more history, visit here.

I thought it best to describe the famous Strip in pictures, as no words could capture the essence of this artificial wonder! Here are my favourite casinos and a brief view into their world!

Bellagio - Still the reigning King among all the Casinos, and more famous for Oceans's Eleven-the Movie!

Venetian - Undoubtedly the best casino in terms of architecture and craftsmanship. I really felt I was in Venice! Remember the movie The Italian Job!!

Luxor - The casino based on the theme of Egypt! It is believed that there are only 2 objects that can be seen by spaceshuttles from the earth's orbit: The Great Wall of China, and the Blue Skylight beam from Luxor. It is sure to take you to the world of sphinx and the Mummies...oh, did someone say "The Mummy" or "The Mummy Returns".


Ceasar's Palace - This tribute to the great warrior Julius Ceasar is a hourney into the italian heritage. beautiful status of Ceasar and inviting interiors mark this casino.

Paris - The beautiful roman architecture, the arches and curves, and the giant actual-sized-based replica of the famous Eiffel Tower with a revolving globe in blue marked Paris forms a major attraction on the strip. The view from the top of the Tower is fabulous.


Other noteworthy casinos include the "MGM Grand", "New York New York", "The Mirage" and the "Treasure Island"

Hope you enjoyed this picturesque journey along the famous Las Vegas strip!! There are many more that I haven't covered in this post, but I think I've done a decent job of including the top casino picks for their vistor appeal:)

Touring Kerala - God's Own Country

Today I'm going out of my bay area destinations to share with you one of the most-visited and beautiful destination in the southern region of India - Kerala. It's described as "God's own country", and this would not be an overstatement once you experience the myriad diversity of this tropical paradise: dense forests, fertile planes, beautiful beaches, cliffs and rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and astounding 44 glimmering rivers.
The Portuguese arrived in the 1500’s and left behind their mediterranean attitude and Catholicism and the Dutch left behind their architecture. The Brits left behind their reserved nature. The people are generally mixed with Arab,Tamil, Jewish and Portuguese blood and the local language is Malayalam. The Jews that escaped persercution over the last 2,500 years settled in Kerala and assimilated into Indian life. That's how the "Swastika" got into India, which is nothing related to Hitler! Its just a religious and auspicious symbol that signifies well-being and sanctity.

Kerala is a 560 kms long stretch of land at the southernmost tip of India, hence it provides kaleidoscopic backwater destinations. They offer all acquatic activities or just relaxing beaches for a peaceful vacation. To check out all these places visit here.


Cochin or "Kochi" is probably the best place to begin your tour of kerala. You can easily spend a couple of days here while you figure out your next stop. If you are short on time, try including at least these 3 places-Periyar for its Tiger reserve, other plant and wildlife, the exotic Spice Garden and the famous periyar Lake, The Kovalam Beach for its palm treese, coconut groves and the Ayurvedic Spas, Munnar for its tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains and the Lakshadweep Islands, an archipelago consisting of 36 islands, 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks in the Arabian Sea. These emerald islands, rich in greenery, adorned with colourful corals and fringed by silvery beaches overwhelm you with their natural beauty. And its a perfect spot for scuba-diving!!

You also have to find some time to appreciate the architecture of some beautiful temples scattered throughout the state. And being a 100% litereate state, you wouldn't have a problem asking for tips or directions. There are several tourist packages offered on the net which will plan your entire trip. So whether you choose one of these, or decide to explore it on your own, you need to put Kerala on your vacations destinations list if you are a true nature lover. As for food and lodging, there are plenty of options available that boast of international standards to make your stay as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Anyone who's already been to this classic vacation destination, please share your thoughts for the benefit of others!

Point Reyes National Seashore- Exploring a more pristine Camping location

Camping season is still on in full swing in California, and with more and more people flocking to the famous locations, the true outdoor enthusiasts are finding it harder than ever to find a scenic yet less-crowded camping site. So to honour requests from some of my readers, I'm happy to introduce you to another breath-takingly beautiful and awe-inspiring place called Point Reyes. Its a name known to most Californians, yet this is for the benfit of those who have not yet experienced the scenic beauty and fresh sea-water fragrance of this place.

Located off Highway 101 near Olema village, about 35 miles from San francisco, this place has everything for a perfect outdoor adventure. We went camping for a couple nights, and got a site in The Meadows, close to Olema Ranch. This site is more family-friendly, as it has a village close-by, water and RV facilities, and an inn nearby if you need some fresh hot pancakes!! hmmm, something to consider, definitely!! Pt. Reyes has everything to keep you engaged- camping, hiking trails, best kayaking spots, horse-riding, historical shows, bird watching and animal sighting.


For historians, this peninsula is unique as it has been traveling for millions of years on the Pacific plate. At this time it is adjacent to Marin county that is part of the North American plate. The boundary between these two plates is the San Andreas fault. There is a Lighthouse at the base of the rock formation, and make sure you take a jacket with you when you walk down to the base as its extremely windy and chilly, be it any time of the year. For those interested in more history, visit Pt.Reyes-Historical Significance for details.

We absolutely loved the Kayaking part!! The best launch spots within the park are Millerton Point, on the east side of Tomales Bay, and Hearts Desire, but call ahead or check for "low-tide" days and times though. From January to March, elephant seals are breeding and can be observed from the park, while Harbor Seals pup from March to June. And guess what!! You can now do whale-watching without geting into a boat or going out into the middle of the sea....From December through May, watch the migration of California gray whales from the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas. In late April and early May, if yur are luck you may see young whales close to shore with their mothers.

The scenic view of the shoreline, and the clean pristine air is sure to make you feel close to nature. If you are anywhere around Norther California, DO NOT miss visiting this gem of a place! Pt.Reyes is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and pleasant camping locations or day trip locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Around the east coast in 7 days!!

I have been harbouring a dream to take a trip to the east coast for some years now, and we finally managed to realize it 2 weeks ago. We went with our whole family, and as we had our parents with us, we didn't get a chance to roam around Manhattan on foot, but neverthless, we enjoyed the trip a lot....Here's a short summary to help you reminisce about your trip or help you plan a new one. Its a part of the world you wouldn't want to miss visiting!!

We took a flight to Washington DC straight from SFO and landed on the capital right on the eve of Independence Day....we roamed around that evening, exploring vegetarian food options on foot and taking in the feel of the city at night. The next morning we had a nice breakfast at marriott and set on for our Metro ride to the Smithsonian centre, where all the fun & excitement awaited us....we saw some famous museums, and I have to cite the Natural Art and History museum, the Air & Space museum, and the Smithsonian Castle to be must-see's, and then we trodded down the enchanted city, taking in the well-planned architecture, the nice gardens, the White House, the endless memorials and monuments and the throng of people who had flocked into the city to witness the highly-talked-about Fireworks at Night, and believe me, they were truly spectacular !!

Our next stop, where we headed by car, was New Jersey, where we stayed with our friends and took daily trips to the New York City. We took the CitySights bus tours which are hop-on-hop-off guided tours that take you around the 4 loops of the city, and besides the Empire State and other wonderful buildings, the Central Park and the manhattan Downtown at night deserve a worthy mention.....The city glittered at 12 am truly proving itself to be the "City that Never Sleeps!!" The view of the Brooklyn Bridge from south seaport at twilight was amazing, reminding me of Bombay's queen's necklace road, and so was the lovely Lady Liberty holding the distinguished torch of freedom....Little Italy, Chinatown and Greenwich Village are truly a gourmet's paradise!!

Edison, a town in New Jersey has great culinary choices that appeal to an Indian's palette very well, and we relished the vast variety of indian delicacies in 3 days' time. We then flew out to Buffalo Int'l airport where we had a brief rest, then drove to the coveted natural miracle of the world, the Niagara Falls....This, by far, was the best part of our trip, as we saw the water from the 5 lakes create an enigmatic view across the border of USA and Canada. But the absolutely perfect culmination to our trip was the colourful view of the Falls at night, as they were brilliantly lit by lights focussed from the canadian side...the water sparkled and glittered with ever-changing rainbow colours as we speechlessly took in the sights and sounds of this eternal wonder.

With this we came to an end of our journey as we flew back into SFO....but its always great to be home, and being away from it makes you appreciate it even more!!! Hope you'll enjoyed this journey through my words and pics, just as I enjoyed reliving every moment of it.....