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WorkLife Travel Destination: Buenos Aires

Though the current capital city of Argentina has been under scrutiny lately for defaulting on debt to the U.S., Buenos Aires still is a prime travel destination. This Paris of South America features remarkable architecture, a world-class sports scene, an energetic nightlife, and a culture worth visiting.

Favorite Buenos Aires Places

La Casa Rosada

The equivalent to our White House, La Casa Rosada is the executive mansion and official office of the Argentinian president (though her official residence is in a suburb of the city) and where Evita made her famous speech that inspired a country and the musical. This government house with its pink hues and bright pink lights at night is in the downtown area overlooking the Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by impressive architecture of other central political institutions.

Protests and demonstrations occur regularly in front of La Casa Rosada. While you should always exercise caution when encountering such political activities in foreign countries, I believe these events give you a true feeling of the local atmosphere outside of the tourist facade. While we were in Buenos Aires, we encountered a major strike by the trade unions Nov. 20, 2012. Workers shut down stores and public transportation, taking to the streets to protest against the country’s economic policies. We saw many businesses vandalized that did try to open that day. We were never threatened or felt in danger, and it was interesting to hear the views of the protestors as they gave rally speeches and chanted anti-government sentiments.

Livraria El Ateneo

A classical theater turned bookstore – a mashup of my favorite things. The Livraria El Ateneo offers row upon row of books in many languages, housed inside a glamorous theater still complete with stage, red curtain and rotunda. Admiring not only the selection but the grand views, you’ll find many patrons sitting in one of the former box seats taking in a classic or sitting stage center in the cafe enjoying a coffee. The world-renowned bookstore also offers readings and reading clubs.

Cementerio de la Recoleta

No surprise here as you all know how much I love cemeteries (seriously, free art). Not only does the Cementerio de la Recoleta have graves of the famous, such as Evita and Luis Ángel Firpo, but there are masterpieces of sculptures inside (I think I’ve mentioned sculpture is my favorite art form). The structure of the cemetery also creates narrow passages in between the tombstones and mausoleums, so you get this haunting sense of discovery as you turn each corner. With 14 acres to explore, plan to spend an afternoon walking around. There are even bench areas to rest.

Sports Mecca

As a South American city, of course Buenos Aires is known for great soccer or futbol. We took in a minor team match, River Plate, and it was an experience. We also attended the 119th annual Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo.

La Boca

This bright and colorful barrio of Buenos Aires is the ideal spot for souvenir shopping, street performers and eateries. While you sip on a Mate tea watching a couple do the Tango, take in the multicolor overhangings and carved mannequins perched on balconies. Listen to the chatter of the locals and the screaming kids playing soccer in the street. It’s a pleasant assault on all the senses.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you this side story here. We had some pretty great photos of this area. We toured the barrio on a sunny Monday morning, and then we boarded the Linea A on the subway to go back to our hostel.

We had been warned that this particular route was notorious for women being groped. So Chris, being the great husband he is, was doing his best to keep his arms around me on the crowded train. He was wearing cargo pants and had the camera zipped inside of a side pocket.

As we neared an upcoming stop, a man that had been sitting suddenly jumped up to offer me a seat. If you know my father, then you know since birth I’ve been instilled with a general distrust of the human population in general. As much as I wanted to believe this was just a good citizen showing some genuine Buenos Aires hospitality, the scene seemed a bit off. I politely refused the seat, and when we came to the stop, the man made a hasty escape.

As the train began to move again and there was a bit more space, Chris relaxed his hold around me just enough to discover his side pocket was unzipped. We immediately got off at the next stop to check our belongings. Our camera with all our wonderful La Boca photos was gone.

Looking back, Chris realized his pocket was just near enough to Mr. Let-Me-Offer-You-A-Seat-Since-I-Just-Pickpocketed-You to do the deed. This has been the only time to date (knock on wood, which I literally just did at my desk while typing) we’ve ever personally encountered any type of crime since we’ve been traveling. I thank my lucky stars as it could have been much worse. Chris had just backed up all our other photos on his travel laptop the night before, so we only lost the nice La Boca photos.

Pickpocketing and other crimes can happen in any city in the world, and we were just unfortunate that it happened in Buenos Aires.

Lesson learned – keep all valuables, such as cameras and wallets, in front pockets instead of side pockets that are easier to access.

Feria de San Telmo

From the worst travel experience to probably my best travel experience, the Feria de San Telmo, held every Sunday, is the largest, most diverse market I’ve ever seen. I love open-air markets, and San Telmo’s is the best. I bought so much, from a purse made of old vinyl records to a cowboy belt buckle. Reserve your entire day to walk through the miles of vendors and watch the many street performers.

Buenos Aires Eats

You know that former show on The Food Network The Best Thing I Ever Ate? I had mine in Buenos Aires at the Feria de San Telmo. With so much shopping to do, I didn’t want to take the time to stop for a long lunch. On-the-go, we found a vendor selling homemade empanadas from a basket. Since they were large, Chris and I only bought one to share. After my first bite, I was wishing we had bought the whole basket. With the golden flaky crust filled with savory meat, potatoes and onions, I was in food heaven. We tried to find the vendor again, but we were unsuccessful. So, be sure to try to the street food in Buenos Aires, especially if you sell a short elderly gentleman wearing a fedora and selling homemade empanadas from a basket.

Buenos Aires restaurants can be a bargain for U.S. travelers who bring
along dollars from home. Since Argentina’s government now bans banks
from converting Argentinian pesos to dollars as a counter to
inflation, a black market for the dollar has developed that gives a
premium to the greenback. With prices already cheap for many
travelers, this drives them down even further and allows $20 to go a
long way toward a nice dinner at the best Argentinian steakhouses.

We spent our dollars at El Obero in the famed La Boca district.Here
you have a thick steak and good service while surrounded by relics
from the famed La Boca football club.

Another famous spot is the Café Tortoni, known for its rich coffee and decadent desserts. Though the country certainly has Starbucks, the idea of coffee-to-go is a foreign concept. In Argentina, you take the time to sit and savor coffee with friends.

Working in Buenos Aires

While Buenos Aires has been one of our favorite cities, its struggling
economy that offers good deals to travelers also prevents them from
staying and finding a job. Many of the most renowned building
architecturally have been inhabited by squatters since the 1990s and
are now deteriorating. Young people sleep on the streets.
Despite all this, though, many of our friends are pursuing entrepreneurial ventures in the city.

For an insider’s perspective, I spoke with fellow Couchsurfer Leonardo Rodrigues, a native from São Paulo who has established his own company in Buenos Aires last year.

Unlike larger cities in South America, Leonardo says its easier to network with people from all over the world in Buenos Aires where expats aren’t confined to specific areas of the city but mix throughout with the locals. “Though the country is in a serious crisis, you can still have a high quality of life here.”

At the workplace, be prepared to be social. According to Leonardo, it’s common to have a coffee or cigarette with your colleagues as soon as you arrive at work, getting to the business of the day about 20 minutes afterward.

On the weekends, Leonardo likes to go the many parks with friends; another benefit of the city is its many green spaces. Be prepared to become a night owl, though, as he stresses the fact that going out for a night of dancing usually doesn’t even start until 2 a.m. when the clubs are just beginning to get busy. Barbecues and soccer games are the typical Sunday afternoon activity.

“Buenos Aires is an incredible city, and I love it here.”

Ranking Buenos Aires

I give Buenos Aires an overall 7 for its great food and beautiful architecture. What is your favorite South American city?

-Monica

Lighting up: The history of Amsterdam coffee shops

Amsterdam, known as Venice of the North throughout Europe, is more famous worldwide for its leniency toward drugs and prostitution. After taking a recent coffee shop tour of the city, we explore the history of Amsterdam’s drug culture.

How did Amsterdam coffee shops start?

The locals say that Amsterdam’s ideas of decriminalization first appeared when Catholicism was outlawed in the 17th Century. Houses like the Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord of the Attic) were converted into churches and didn’t necessarily hide their congregations of around 200 people. These churches and worshipers paid taxes just as legal churches and worshippers paid so the Dutch decided it was beneficial to both sides to look the other way.

Other religious refugees also descended upon Amsterdam including Huguenots from France and Puritans from England. Gedogen is a Dutch word with no direct English translation that refers to this habit of looking the other way via plausible denial. Tax forms today still include a section of “other” income where citizens can legally pay taxes on income that isn’t necessarily specified as legit.

Fast forward to the 1980s and Amsterdam was a dangerous city overrun by heroin. According to those who live in the area, some of the most beautiful blocks surrounding the canals were entirely infested with filth and people of malicious intent. In an effort to rid the area of hard drugs that caused huge problems and to allow police officers to focus on these important tasks, marijuana and other soft drugs were decriminalized. Soft drugs are those that authorities deem unable to kill a person who overdoses by using too much. Amsterdam natives quickly point out that one of the world’s most deadly hard drugs, alcohol, is legal in almost every country worldwide.

Would the Dutch be willing to completely legalize marijuana today rather than simply decriminalizing it? Probably, if it weren’t for the European Union. As the EU as a whole bars the drugs, The Netherlands would forfeit its membership. Policies of plausible denial, therefore, will continue.

Uruguay is currently the only nation in the world with legalized marijuana at the federal level. Meanwhile, only 5 percent of Dutch people smoke marijuana on a regular basis and only 20 percent have ever tried it, leaving it far below the percentages of Europe’s leaders.

What’s so bad about marijuana?

Public Enemy #1 in Amsterdam is William Randolph Hearst, the late American newspaper publisher. Smoking scholars quickly recall the yellow journalism of Hearst, published in the USA and spread around the world, demonizing the cannabis plant. They point to him as coining the term marijuana as the major word used for the plant because it derived from Spanish, which he could use to further play off the fears of conservatives dreading an invasion of any foreign people or substance. Hearst, they say, with large investments in paper and nylon, had financial incentives to drive away potential competition from cannabis created by harvesting the hemp plant.

Signs in Amsterdam coffee shops say that smoking marijuana is allowed but warn that tobacco users should stay away. Whether warranted or not, Amsterdammers are convinced that marijuana is healthier than tobacco.

For the science behind it and statistics on why the war on drugs kills people rather than saving them, such as figures that show whites use drugs much more often than blacks but are six times less likely to be arrested by the police, visit a professor of the subject at the Cannabis College. Here, avid volunteers declare their support and avidly defend marijuana. You can also pay to enter their marijuana garden (maintained for research) or try a vaporizer in a private room while being instructed by a professional.

Running the business of Amsterdam coffee shops

You will not find many cannabis gardens around Holland. While selling and smoking marijuana in small amounts are both decriminalized, growing mass amounts of it generally is not. Therefore, plantations may still be controlled by organized drug rings. Ask a coffee shop owner where he gets his product and he pleads ignorance. It’s said that the front door remains open, police wander in and look around, but the backdoor remains locked. Outside that backdoor, the deals take place and the officer inside can continue to claim plausible denial.

Tour guides warn first timers not to start with space brownies. Holding an indeterminate amount of weed inside, they could be duds as regular brownies disguised to take tourists’ money, or they could be loaded with an amount that overpowers a beginner one hour later while the brownie is being digested once he assumes that nothing is going to happen and he possibly has eaten two or three more. They also warn that THC levels are much higher than you find in other countries, hovering around 15-20 rather than the normal 5 percent.

If you are in search of a 420 holiday and want to know where near the city center you can find good stuff, we can’t offer much assistance ourselves, but the locals suggest De Dampkring, now also famous for its inclusion in the movie Oceans 12. Here, in the back of the coffee shop, you can choose from several different types of high quality weed and roll a joint for less than 5 euros or sit up front and grab a drink and a brownie.

Another type of shop in Amsterdam is known as a smart shop. Smart shops do not sell marijuana and once profited mostly from the sell of magic mushrooms. In 2008, magic mushrooms were banned by the Dutch government after a French girl was said to jump from a bridge to her death and another tourist was said to be found naked eating his own dog. Both events were blamed on mushrooms and the resulting press created enough of a firestorm for a ban. In a bit of a legal loophole, however, that has never since been filled, mushrooms grown above ground were simply replaced with truffles grown below ground and smart shops continue to exist.

Are you up for visiting Amsterdam coffee shops?

Amsterdam is known for its tolerance on a wide array of issues. How do you feel? Do you feel that decriminalization of others’ practices affords you more freedom or less freedom in your daily life?

-Chris

Women’s travel rights vs. reality

Woment's travel rights vs. reality — Beautiful photo of the Grossmünster in Zürich on a fall afternoon except for the out-of-shot guy to my left who was masturbating.

See that photo there to the right? Great photo, right? That’s the Grossmünster Church in Zürich overlooking a canal from Lake Zürich. This is a favorite spot of mine in the city – nice, peaceful and great for people watching (see all the tourists on the bridge?). What you don’t see in that photo is the man standing about 5 feet to my left masturbating.

The sexual harassment incident

I spent yesterday in Zürich on business with meetings scheduled throughout the day. After a late lunch, I had some free time until my next appointment.

It was such a lovely fall day with just a touch of chill in the air – my favorite days. I was walking about the city, and I wanted to capture the day in a photo for my Instagram. I thought the Grossmünster would be the perfect iconic shot.

I crossed the bridge and positioned myself in the crook of a wall and a statue. There were lots of tourists around, stopping and snapping photos.

Again, I’m a pretty oblivious traveler, so I wasn’t paying much attention to the people around me as I was positioning my shot. I was waiting for my phone to work, trying to capture the best angle. I was probably standing there for about 10 minutes before I noticed a white man in a black hoodie about 5 feet to my left. What caught my attention about him was he was angling his body toward me and looking back over his shoulder at me.

As I looked down at my phone, I took a peek out of the corner of my eye to see his penis was fully out of his pants and he was fondling himself.

He had taken a position up against the wall so he was directing his activity toward me where no one else could see it. I got pissed.

It was obvious he was wanting me to react; he wanted me to acknowledge him. I continued looking down at my phone, but I began discreetly looking around for a police officer. My first thought was if there was a cop, I would scream and make a scene, hoping he would be caught in the act. No such luck as there were no officers in sight.

My second thought was I should just go ahead and scream. Embarrass him, make him run off, but I knew he wanted some kind of reaction like that. With only tourists around, I didn’t think anyone would be in the position to do anything about the situation.

Finally, I decided to ignore it, and this is where I get pissed at myself. Now with 24 hours passed, I keep thinking I should have done more. I had an umbrella in my bag with an expandable handle. Why didn’t I take it out and beat the sick bastard with it? The wall he was up against was a half wall that keeps you from falling into the canal. If I had been quick enough, I could have rushed him and pushed him over it into the water. At the very least, why didn’t I make some witty comeback?

After a couple of minutes more as I continued to battle with myself about what to do, he took a step toward me. At this time, I was still doing a pretty good job of acting completely engrossed in my phone. I never looked up at him or made eye contact. I decided to get away. I acted as if I had finished whatever I was doing on my phone, spun away from him and walked off down the street.

As I passed by him, I heard him make an exasperated sigh. The only upperhand I felt in the situation was that I did the exact opposite of what he wanted. He wanted acknowledgement, and as far as he knew, he was Mr. Invisible to me.

I got halfway down the street before I turned to see if he was still there. He, of course, was nowhere to be seen. As luck would have it, I then saw two police officers further down the street. I thought about reporting the incident, but what good could I do? I had never even looked at his face, and the only description I could give was a white man in a black hoodie. I passed the officers and kept walking to my next appointment. Another empowerment opportunity missed.

The reality of women’s travel rights

I’m writing this post pissed off and just a few hours before I’m releasing it. Probably not one of my best decisions. I’ve tried to talk myself out of it; I even had another post scheduled for today.

This is not a “I hate men” or “All men suck” post, and I’m completely against the trivialization of women sexually harassing men. (This is also not meant to be a series of “Why travel sucks” as last week’s post was about travel scams.) The reality, though, is women face a whole set of dangers in travel men do not even have to consider.

Women's travel rights vs. reality — A perspective of where the incident happened.

If I pose the question to our worktrotters how many times something like this has happened to them, I’m sure the women with these experiences will far outweigh the men. (Please share your thoughts in the comments.)

It’s not fair, it sucks, but it’s the reality we face.

So, what are my rights as a woman traveler?

My right: I have the right to walk around a city without fear of some jerk jacking off on or near me.

My reality: Even in just the 24 hours since the incident, I’m watching any man that gets in a 10-foot radius of me and especially where his hands are.

My right: I have the right to wear whatever I want without fear of bringing unwanted attention.

My reality: I have to carefully consider my outfit, ensuring it’s not too revealing to bring leering looks or catcalls on the streets. Apparently anything I wear can bring unwanted harassment as I was in a conservative business outfit yesterday.

My right: I have the right to chat nicely with a local I meet.

My reality: Shortly after the incident, a local man tried to strike up a conversation with me on the street. I was borderline rude to him as all I could think about was if he was trying something underhanded, like possibly flashing me.

What can you do to support women’s travel rights?

Though this was my first experience with public exposure, it’s unfortunately not my first experience with sexual harassment, and I’m afraid it won’t be my last. I know the reality I live in, I know I have to be aware and responsible for my own safety. With that said, though, we can all support women’s travel rights through action.

1. Speak up

Share your experiences. There are several social media campaigns and more online to address the situation. Help others know what to be aware of and shame those that do these despicable acts.

2. Don’t blame the victim

Women don’t invite harassment by wearing short skirts or being alone. The responsibility lies at the feet of the harasser. Place blame where it’s due.

3. Don’t condone the behavior

If your friend is committing a sexual harassment act, tell him to stop. It’s not OK, it’s not funny. Stand up to the harassment. If it happens to you, don’t laugh about it, don’t shrug it off. Face it, see it for what it is, and call it out.

4. Report it

Finally, and something I wish I would have done yesterday, report the harassment. Maybe I wouldn’t have been able to give a viable description of Mr. Invisible, but at least the police would have known there was someone in the city doing this. I’m sure I’m not the only woman this bastard has done this to, and maybe my report could help establish a pattern.

What travel rights do you have?

For the past 24 hours, I’ve been racking my brain of what I should have done, what I could have done. Got an opinion? Let me know.

I would also love to hear your stories. What travel rights do you hold dear? Have they been violated?

-Monica

From rags to riches: How to choose the right lodging

From rags to riches: How to find the right lodging — This beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea from our hotel room in Monaco was the best I’ve ever had. From hostels to hotels, lodging options vary far and wide.

Chris and I just returned from our holiday in the French Riviera, and it was just what we needed. Beautiful beaches, some genuine R&R lounging on the sand or boat deck, spectacular views, and exploring new places.

During the 10-day trip that took us from east to west and back again, we stayed in a variety of lodging options, even enjoying our first experience with airbnb. From the familiarities of youth hostels to a splurge night in a fancy hotel, this trip saw us from rags to riches.

How do the lodging options stack up?

To help make your next trip as comfortable as possible, I’m listing my pros and cons of each option we used. Let us know in the comments what type of lodging you think would best fit your travel style.

From rags to riches: How to choose the best lodging — Our beautiful hostel in Fez, Morocco, was clean, cool and wonderful. It was one of our better experiences in these low-cost lodging options.

Hostels

After Chris tried to take me to my first hostel in NYC in 2007, I vowed I would never ~~stay~~ try to stay at another one. We had a terrible experience with the Hosteling International one there, and I swore them off. (To this day, I still try to only stay at non-HI hostels, if possible. Let’s just say the customer service was beyond atrocious.)

It wasn’t until we moved abroad in 2012 that Chris was finally able to take to me for my first stay in a locally-owned hostel in Foz de Iguaçu, Brazil. I loved it. We met so many travelers from all over the world, and we just had a German couple we met at the hostel come here to Switzerland for a visit a few weeks ago. Now whenever we’re abroad, I prefer staying in hostels.

Pros

-Very affordable, in Europe normally running between 15 and 30 USD per night (of course, except in Switzerland where they run about 60 USD) and even cheaper in South America and Asia.
-Meet new people from all over the globe with who you typically can go out exploring the city. Swapping travel stories and finding out the latest news on destinations is just part of the great experience of meeting other travelers.
-Most have full kitchens available for personal use, so it’s always very easy to save money on food by cooking for yourself.
-Restaurants/Bars also are very common in hostels with good food at low prices and great drink specials.
-Common rooms are typically standard in hostels where you can access free Internet. Board games are usually available, and I really like the book exchange libraries in most.
-Many hostels provide excursions at an affordable additional charge. From dinner shows to scuba lessons, you can book the trip and the hostel makes sure everything is provided, including transportation to and from the location. Along with excursions, hostel staff are usually trained to provide you with the best tourist information. They know the non-crowded beaches to visit, the best nightclubs and more to recommend.

Cons

-Cleanliness. Hostels range from pristine to downright disgusting, depending on the staff. With so many people sharing beds and baths, it’s really up to how well the staff maintain the facilities. Always take shower shoes, and do a through search of your bed and linens.
-Little privacy. Though you can pay extra for a private room, it’s most common to book one bed (typically bunk bed) in a shared room from anywhere from two to upward of 20 beds (the largest room I’ve ever stayed in slept 24 people).
-Noise. With that many people sleeping in one room, you’re bound to have someone with some unusual night activity. I’ve heard everything from snoring to a guy cussing out his dream nemesis. I always sleep with my earplugs in, and that really cancels out most of the noise. If you stay at a hostel known for its party atmosphere, be prepared for thumping music and rambunctious young people until the wee hours of the morning.
-Lights. Though it’s an understood rule of courtesy in hostels that you don’t turn the lights on in a room where people are sleeping and you try to keep any noise to an absolute minimum, you’ll have some that just don’t abide. Those rambunctious partiers will come in drunk, waking you up. I find that my evil glares are usually enough to send them back out to the bar.

A few of our favorite hostels are Casa Garcia in Barcelona, Circus Hostel in Berlin, Han Tang Hostel in Xi’an, China, and Rio Hostel Ipanema in Rio de Janiero. We typically book through Hostelworld or HostelBookers. Always be sure to check out the reviews before you book.

Our first Couchsurfer, Chris, visited a second time with his friend, Emma, while we lived in Virginia. Thanks to his insights, we've been avid Couchsurfers ever since. — Our first Couchsurfer, Chris, visited a second time with his friend, Emma, while we lived in Virginia. Thanks to his insights, we’ve been avid Couchsurfers ever since.

Couchsurfing

When Chris first told me in 2011 about this crazy site that let strangers stay in other strangers home, I really thought he had lost it. Are you kidding me? I’m not letting some potential serial killer sleep in my guest bedroom across the hallway nor am I staying in some potential crazy person’s house.

It took some convincing, but he finally talked me into letting our first Couchsurfer stay with us in Virginia. Our guest was riding his bicycle from Maine to Florida, and I’m glad Chris did talk me into it. That first Couchsufer had so many stories about his travels and we spent hours talking. He opened us up to this whole new world of travelers, and we haven’t looked back.

Pros

-I’ve met some of the most interesting people by opening our home up to these travelers and by staying with “strangers.”
-If you’re surfing, your host can show you around the city and give you an insider’s perspective. In fact, most of the WorkLife Travel Destination posts interviews are with Couchsurfers who’ve hosted us.
-Even if you’re not surfing, you can request hosts to meetup for coffee or just give you some pointers for the city. There are also many Couchsurfing gatherings in cities across the world that you can attend.
-It’s free, but that doesn’t mean it’s free. In the true spirit of the concept, you should somehow pay your host’s hospitality forward by either hosting in your city or at least providing information to those traveling through.

Cons

-You’re always a guest. It can a bit intimidating and tiring constantly being on your best behavior, especially since is the first time you’ve been in your host’s home. Each host will also have a different style, some may be very easygoing while others are very strict.
-Cultural differences. Either a pro or a con, Couchsurfing can vary depending on where you are. We’ve noticed that when we Couchsurf in the States, your host will typically spend a dinner or some other social time with you and then you’re on your own. In Europe, though, the concept is much more hands-on. Your host will expect to be with you almost your entire visit, showing you around his city.

You can book or accept visits on the Couchsurfing website. Be sure to checkout the references of those you surf with and host, and always leave feedback for the rest of the community. Even if you can’t accept a Couchsurfer due to scheduling conflicts, be courteous and always reply.

From rags to riches: How to choose the right lodging — Our first stay through airbnb turned out to be a great experience. I loved sharing the ship with the first mate canine.

airbnb

Though we’ve been on airbnb for about a year, this holiday was the first time we’ve actually used the service. We booked a two-night stay on a former 1940s-era French spyboat turned yacht. The Charleston was docked at a marina in Cap ‘D Agde, a beautiful port town with lots of fun in the sun to be had.

We had the captain’s room, the largest on the boat. From the deck, we could lounge and listen to the live music from across the boardwalk. The owner was a nice French gentleman who made sure we were comfortable, and his bulldog was such a lazy and fun friend to have aboard.

Pros

-There are more than 800,000 places worldwide to book. You can find unique lodging like our French yacht to a former schoolhouse in Canada.
-Home amenities like a full-service kitchen or use of a private pool.
-A host can either be available for your stay or you can choose a location that the owner is absent.
-Bookings can be made for a few days up to several months.
-All financial transactions take place online before you arrive – no need to pay anything upon arrival or departure.

Cons

-You’re again a guest, albeit a paying one, but this is still someone else’s home.
-Can be mildly expensive (but more affordable than a hotel) depending on the location. We paid about $110 USD per night for the yacht.

We haven’t had the chance to use airbnb as hosts, yet, but we hope to soon. From what we’ve seen, the payment process, both giving and receiving, work quite well and the booking software is easy to use.

Hotels

When we do splurge on traditional hotels, we typically stay three stars and above (sometimes less if we’re on an American road trip, picking up discount coupons at welcome centers). The boutique hotel we stayed at in Monaco during our holiday was definitely tipping the scales toward the five star.

With the best view I’ve ever had of the sea in our plush blue room, the Hôtel Le Roquebrune was certainly a pleasant deviation from our normal lodging.

Pros

-Cleanliness. If your shower isn’t clean or your linens aren’t stark white, you have every right to complain.
-Privacy. With your own room under lock and key, you can feel free to take advantage of the seclusion.
-Though the hotel may call you a “guest,” you’re freedom to relax is much more available than at other lodging options.
-Many higher class hotels offer extra amenities, like free bottles of water or cookies, in your room and have comfortable furnishings, such as down comforters and thread-count sheets.

Cons

-Cost. For all this extra comfort, expect to pay. For our one-night sanctuary by the sea, we paid about $300 USD.
-Hotel staff don’t typically have the inside information on the city. They can recommend nice restaurants and the typical tourist attractions, but they aren’t going to send you to the remote beaches or set you up on excursions.

From rags to riches: Choosing the right lodging — Chris and I at a B&B in Indianapolis circa 2007. B&Bs are the most comfortable lodging option.

Bed and Breakfasts

Chris and I stayed at our first B&B when we had just started dating while he was living in Georgia and I was in Kentucky. Most dates back then were spent traveling to a new place, and our first B&B experience was in Covington, Ken., right across the river from Cincinnati where we were attending the Tall Stacks Festival.

We were hooked from the start on the hospitality and history each unique B&B offers. From gourmet breakfasts to gracious hosts, B&Bs are a favorite lodging option.

Pros

-Gourmet breakfasts. Hosts are typically trained or have at least spent a lot of time in the kitchen coming up with fancy breakfast dishes like quiche Lorraine or French Toast cups and blueberries. Along with such a filling breakfast, warm cookies are baked in the afternoon and typically available to enjoy with coffee and tea in the sitting room.
-Meeting other guests. Breakfast is usually held at one dinning room table where you share seats with the others B&B guests. We’ve met some great people during these breakfasts, but just don’t expect to explore with them later like in a hostel. The clientele is quite a bit different.
-History. Historic homes usually serve as B&Bs, and the story behind the home is typically available in the common area. These homes many times have had famous guests and are listed on historical registries.
-Plush rooms. Each room has a different theme so you have plenty of options to meet your liking. As each room has its own lock, privacy is also a benefit.
-Gracious hosts. As part of the charm of the food and home, your hosts will talk with you at breakfast, having plenty of material for you to explore your location, and many amenities including bikes for a boardwalk ride, beach gear for an afternoon on the sand, and books for a quite mid-morning sitting in the cozy common room.
-Special packages. Weddings, anniversary trips, engagements – all these special occasions and more can be accommodated with special features at B&Bs. Chris and I attended a Halloween murder mystery dinner at a B&B in Maryland once.

Cons

-Pricey. Expect to pay upward of $150 a night for the most basic rooms in a B&B.
-Based on what you’re seeking, many B&Bs are made to be away from the city for a nice and peaceful stay. Unlike the other options, getting to public transportation may be an issue. Check with the host.

Home Stay

Though we haven’t ventured into this territory much, I wanted to mention it since I just read a blog post about a new platform, homestay.com, that helps you organize this type of lodging option where you live with a local family while immersing yourself in the culture.

We experienced this a bit during our volunteer trip to Morocco, and it was an extraordinary experience I would love to do again one day.

Pros

-No better way to immerse yourself into a culture.
-Truly become part of the household, helping with chores and partaking in celebrations.
-Hosts help you immensely with learning the city and teaching you about the culture.

Cons

-I wouldn’t recommend a home stay if you’re just looking to relax. Though your host typically won’t take advantage of the situation, you will be expected to pitch in and do your share.

What is the best lodging option for you?

So, what do you think? Where are you most likely to stay on your next trip? In a more affordable but less comfortable hostel or vice-versa in a hotel or B&B, or are you willing to be more daring and try out airbnb, Couchsurfing or a home stay?

-Monica

WorkLife Travel Destination: Vienna

Home to the greatest classical music composers and the Waltz, Vienna is my favorite European city. From our first visit in the rain, the magical essence surrounding this Austrian gem couldn’t be dampened.

Favorite Vienna Places

Michaeler Platz (St. Michael’s Square)

The first thing I noticed about Vienna was its abundance of sculptures all over the city. Mainly in a Baroque style, sculptures (my favorite art form) from Hercules to Roman soldiers to the Madonna can be seen. A walk around the inner first district (the city is divided into 23 districts) can save you the admission to an art museum as you can have your fill of sculptures and architecture for free. Be sure to notice the ornate Rathaus (City Hall) and the remains of an excavated Roman Empire house.

Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery of Vienna)

The final resting place of legendary musical figures like Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, Wolf and von Herbeck, the Zentralfriedhof or Central Cemetery of Vienna is another exceptional gallery of sculptures. Strolling through the tree-lined paths and viewing tombstones that serve as works of art in their own right is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. There is even a section of the cemetery set up for classical music fans to leave notes and learn more about their favorite composers.

Sigmund Freud Museum

Remembered as the world’s most renowned psychiatrist and making historic achievements in the field of psychology, you can tour the home of Sigmund Freud before he fled to London from the Nazis during World War II. Most of the artifacts were provided by his daughter, Anna, who also went on to study and advance psychology. The lounge sofa so frequently associated with Freud, though, is missing as he took it with him on his exile and it now resides in the London museum.

Schönbrunn Palace

The summer home (the Hofburg Imperial Palace near Michaeler Platz was the winter home and current residence of the Austrian President) to the Habsburgs Dynasty, the Schönbrunn Palace is an extravagant destination with paintings, antique furniture and royal jewels. The gardens on the grounds offer a maze of color to explore.

Wiener Riesenrad

I love Ferris wheels. They’re my favorites at carnivals and amusement parks, so I was completely stoked to ride the Wiener Riesenrad (or Viennese Giant Wheel) at the Prater Amusement Park in the second district. This Ferris wheel built in the late 1890s features completely enclosed gondolas that you can walk around in while getting the best views of the city. You can even reserve special gondolas set with white-linen tables for a romantic dinner while you circle round and round (though we were warned against this tourist trap as the food is said to be pretty lousy). The famous landmark has been featured in movies like the classic The Third Man and more recently in Before Sunrise (love this series that is now 18 years in the making with the two sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight, coming out exactly nine years after its predecessor, respectively).

Music

Street musicians abound in Vienna. Walking down the street in any city you can come along the likes of guitar players, drummers and singers. In Vienna, though, you come across (what sounds like to me) professionally-trained opera singers, violinists (my favorite instrument) and cellists. There are plenty of ticket vendors all around selling nightly performances to classical music concerts and Waltz performances in ornate music halls. Walk through a residential neighborhood and you’ll hear a handful of kids and adults alike at practice on their instruments. Vienna is a great place to soak up the flow of notes.

Local Favorites

Other locations include the Kletteranlage Flakturm, an outdoor climbing wall on a former air defense towel; Badeschiff Wien, a pool and sundeck on a boat in the Danube Canal; VOLX Kino, free open-air cinema in the summer; Arena Wien, the former meat packing district now serves as the prime venue for concerts; and Vienna Capitals, the hockey hotspot for the city near the U1 stop Kagran.

Vienna Eats

With a typical German fare, Vienna does have its own take on many classics.The Wiener Schnitzel, the national dish, is a must have in Vienna with many restaurants serving up the deep-fried veal. The Mozartkugel, a chocolate-covered pistachio marzipan confection named after the classical composer, is also widely popular in the country and can be found at candy shops throughout Vienna (though it originates in Salzburg). The beer is more stout and comes with a frothier head in Vienna than in other Germanic regions.

The Schloss Concordia, located outside the gates of Zentralfriedhof, was our favorite meal in the city. Specializing in Eastern European fare, the restaurant provides a comfortable ambiance with a large wine selection. Wherever you decide to go, expect your meals to be the typical hardiness associated with German dining.

Some other recommendations from a local include Thali, a great Indian restaurant with delivery; Rita Brint’s, an organic and Eco-friendly vegetarian lunch spot that delivers by bike; Cafe Ansari, a quaint cafe in the cobblestone Praterstrasse in the second district; and Kolar, a cozy pub with dark beers and flatbreads,

Working in Vienna

Known for its high quality of life and superb public transportation system, Vienna hosts an abundance of job opportunities. The third headquarters of the United Nations employs approximately 5,000 people and more jobs can be found all around the city.

Along with supplying the local spots and tastes above, Alex Lackner gives us the inside scope on working in the City of Music and Dreams. A physiotherapist for an outpatient clinic, Ordination Dr. Malus, and a freelance Yoga instructor at the most centrally-located studio in the city, Bikram Yoga Schottenring, Alex is a native and lifelong resident of Vienna. He lives in the 22nd district and has a 40-minute commute into the city center for work, but he says it’s been made easy with the extension of the subway lines in recent years.

Living in a capital city, Alex says Vienna offers all the advantages of a big international city without the negatives typically associated with a large metropolis. “In comparison to other Austrian cities, Vienna offers more diversity by sheer size; with roughly 1.8 million inhabitants, Vienna has overtaken Hamburg as the second largest German-speaking city in the world after Berlin.” Unlike other large capitals, he says Vienna still preserves its relaxed and laid-back style, and with a lower unemployment rate than most European cities, Vienna faces very little civil unrest or crime.

Vienna is a city of early birds, with most residents beginning their commutes no later than 7 a.m. Alex typically arrives at the clinic by 8 a.m., many days after he’s taught a 6 a.m. Yoga class. Lunch is taken around midday either at a convenient cafe or delivered to the office where he eats in the breakroom, which, unfortunately in typical Austrian fashion, also serves as the smoke room. If he’s not also teaching an evening Yoga class, Alex likes to spend time after work at pubs or cafes or catching a movie with friends.

A variety of activities can be found on the weekends, such as concerts or festivals in the city parks. Alex also enjoys getting outside of the city with his girlfriend for some hiking, windsurfing or kayaking in the countryside surrounding Vienna.

Ranking Vienna

As my favorite European city, I give Vienna a 10. What international music capital would you most like to visit?

-Monica

How I learned to love layovers

Nine hours in Charles de Gaulle Airport. Eight hours in Heathrow Airport. Six hours in Narita International Airport. Books, laptop, people watching and too many hours wasted.

This is how I used to spend countless layovers flying back and to from the States. Too afraid to leave the terminal, I played out a million mishaps in my mind and came up with another million excuses to stay put. “I won’t get back in time and I will miss my flight. I have too much carry-on luggage to haul it all around a city for a few hours. I hate going through security again, and I know TSA won’t allow me to bring something onboard I bought.” Blah. Blah. Blah.

How to enjoy layovers

This last trip from the U.S. back to Switzerland, I found a great deal on the ticket. Only issue was two long layovers in between. I would fly from Atlanta to Toronto where I would have a six-hour layover. After an all-night flight from Toronto to Reykjavík, I would have an eight-hour layover before making it to my final destination of Paris.

Tired of missing opportunities to see wonderful new locations, I decided I would take the chance and go out exploring instead of reading the entire latest novel in one sitting in a noisy and uncomfortable terminal like I have so many times before.

Layover in Toronto

I first started researching what I could do and how I would get from the airport to the city. I planned to meet a friend in downtown Toronto for a quick drink in between her meetings. She sent me a link to the Toronto Airport Express shuttle service, and I was able to book transportation to and from the city for just about $40.

As I’m usually moving all of my belongings not in storage in between these U.S. to overseas flights, I typically travel with as much carry-on baggage as I can physically handle. This gets really heavy. As one of the reasons I hadn’t gone out during layovers before was the drag this baggage caused, I researched and found a storage facility at the airport. Due to stricter regulations since Sept. 11, 2001, many American transportation hubs no longer allow lockers like European airports and train stations. Canada, though it doesn’t have lockers, does allow for in-store storage facilities. Inside of the Travel Store on the Departure levels of Terminals 1 and 3, you can pay about $5/piece and store your carry-on luggage all day.

The shuttle picked me up at Arrivals at the Pearson International Airport, and I had seven different convenient locations in downtown to get off. I chose the Sheraton Centre where I was meeting my friend. The ride into the city took about 40 minutes, and there was free WiFi available aboard the shuttle so I could do some work.

As I had a couple of hours before I was scheduled to meet my friend, I had the chance to walk around the downtown area and snap some photos. This was my first visit to Toronto, and I really enjoyed the convenience of walking around downtown. Amidst all the skyscrapers and shopping, there were green spaces to enjoy the sunny afternoon.

After drinks with my friend, the shuttle picked me right back up at the Sheraton Centre. Getting on and off the bus, you just need to show your e-ticket to the driver. The flexibility of the ticket is great, too, since you don’t have to be at an exact location or time to catch the shuttle. Just follow the schedule provided at any of the seven drop-off/pick-up locations and you can catch the shuttle.

The only problem I ran into was the terrible Toronto traffic. Airport Express estimated about 45 minutes to one hour to get to and from the airport, but on the way back it took almost two hours as it was around rush-hour (I caught the 5:40 p.m. shuttle back) and there was heavy construction. The company does advise that you give yourself three hours at the airport before your flight, and since I did this, I was covered even with the delay. The driver was also very informative telling people getting on that there would be a delay.

Though going through security again was annoying, it wasn’t too bad. I made sure anything I had with me was allowed by TSA standards. The inconvenience was worth the time spent exploring something else other than the airport Starbucks.

Layover in Reykjavík

As I had never been to Iceland before, I was most excited about my layover at the Keflavik International Airport. After researching some travel blogs, I quickly learned that this airport was one of the nicest designed in the world. With its many art sculptures throughout and a nice green space right outside of the terminal, I now agree. My only complaint about the airport was I couldn’t find many plugins in the waiting areas.

I booked a day excursion through Reykjavik Excursions to the Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa. Powered by geothermal seawater 2,000 meters below the surface, the lagoons are a great place to refresh after an all-night flight. For the general admission into the spa, you can swim in a 6-million-liter pool pumped full of the health-beneficial seawater, give yourself a facial with the silica-enriched mud naturally produced throughout the lagoon, and enjoy steam baths and saunas. For additional costs, you can receive an in-water massage in the lagoon, other spa services such as pedicures and manicures, and shop at specialty stores that sell the exclusive line of skincare products made by the natural minerals only found in the lagoon.

For about $80, Reykjavik Excursions picked me up from the airport on a tour bus equipped with free WiFi and this also included general admission to the Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa. I just had to exchange my e-ticket for my admission ticket at the Reykjavik Excursions booth on the Departures lower level at the airport.

This ticket requires you to be on your time-scheduled bus. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the airport to the lagoon. Once there, show your admission ticket at the entrance and receive your bracelet to use your complimentary locker in the changing room. With my larger carry-on baggage, I purchased the use of a large locker at the lagoon to store my belongings for about $10.

After I finished swimming, spending some time in the sauna and steam bath, eating lunch at the cafe, and making some purchases at the gift shop, I caught the bus back to the airport. The return trip does not need to be at a specific time with the company, but there is a schedule where the bus comes about once a hour in the summer months.

Where is your next layover?

My mini-excursions of Toronto and the Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa were the perfect rest stops for long layovers. Not only do you pay more with direct flights, but you can miss the opportunity of fitting in mini-trips into your overall travel. From now on, I will only travel with layovers in between so I can enjoy even more adventures. What are some of your ideas for perfect layovers?

-Monica

Back to the Alps: Return to Switzerland

We’re back! After a five-month stint in the United States (only about two for Chris) waiting on visas and attending classes, we’ve returned to Switzerland.

There are some changes since the last time we were in the Land of Chocolate. First, it’s summer now! Summertime in Switzerland is beautiful, and so much better than the snow and cold we entered last time. We’ve already been on a beautiful hike to the Rhine Falls and shopped for fresh fruit at the outdoor city market.

Instead of the quaint countryside of Eschlikon, this time around we’re living in the bustling city of St. Gallen. Instead of a mile-and-a-half walk to the train stop, we’re only about five New York City blocks. Instead of going two towns over, I can skip over to the end of the street to pick up some groceries. Instead of looking out the window to the meadows with cows, I now see an ice cream parlor (I still miss the cows!).

What does Switzerland mean for W2LL2T?

Chris has accepted a position with his company that will have us here for the next (foreseeable) one to three years. I’m in the process of finishing school and looking for a full-time position with an international firm. With so much going on, we are cutting back some on our travel and concentrating more on integrating into our new Swiss life.

So, what does that mean for the blog? Our focus will be shifting soon to the expat life in Switzerland. As we apply for driver’s license, go through the job hunting process abroad, learn German, and other life tasks, we’ll be posting about these functional aspects and sharing our experiences.

Don’t worry, though, travel is still our thing. We still have some plans in place to attend special events in other countries, like Oktoberfest in Germany and the Tomato Fight in Spain. We’re also going to continue with our WorkLife Travel Destinations.

We hope you’ll join us here as we continue to live our lives abroad and explore new places. As always, if you’re interested in a certain aspect of Swiss life or some other travel-related question, let us know in the comments.

-Monica

For Dad: Top travel gifts

Through moving an entire house in one bound to rescuing breakdowns on I-75 faster than a speeding bullet, my dad and dad-in-law are super men. Though we’re not there to celebrate Father’s Day with them in person, we are certainly thinking of them. Since we can’t reminisce in person, here’s a list of the top travel gifts we’ve given Erie and Larry over the years and some other recommendations for great gadgets to help out your traveling papa.

Travel gifts for Dad

1. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die

In 2006, my dad set out on his second Across America trip. In his RV, he went from coast to coast, exploring places like the Yosemite National Park in California to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. As he and my stepmother explored all these iconic American sites, he was able to check them off in his “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” book that my sister and I had given him. My dad is a hard man to impress, but he really enjoyed this book. As we sent the book to him while he was already on the road, he even went back to some places just to make sure he could see the recommended sites.

2. GPS

For Christmas one year, we bought Chris’ parents a GPS. As we are completely and utterly addicted to ours and his parents love their Sunday drives, we thought it would make a great gift. We’re fond of the Garmin series for its ease of use, and it has come in handy quite a few times for his parents. They still like to turn it off, though, and get lost in what they find on a Sunday afternoon.

3. External Hard Drive

While my dad is constantly on the move, he needed an easier and more secure way to store and access his important documents. An external hard drive was just the item. Now that one terabyte drives are the norm, we recommend the Western Digital My Passport for its reliability and affordability at about $80 per unit.

4. Special Stay

The best gift I ever got my dad was a surprise stay at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. As he and his dad used to travel to NYC and admire the hotel, they never stayed there. The evening we checked in, I’ve never seen my dad so excited or happy before. It was the best money I’ve ever spent. Find the location your dad wants to see the most and splurge. If you’re an active traveler, use your reward points.

5. Passport Holder

For most men, the less you have to carry, the better. Wallets can be easily pickpocketed and aren’t large enough for all travel documents. A passport holder that can easily be secured around the neck or carried as a small backpack makes travel easier.

6. Camera

Your dad will most likely want to capture all the memories he’s making with your travel gifts, so give him a way to do that. For the basics, try the Panasonic Lumix. At an affordable price, easy-to-use features and high quality photos, this camera is great for snapping candid shots throughout any trip.

Happy Father’s Day to all our worktrotter dads! May your travels be full of wonder.

-Monica

WorkLife Travel Destination: Paris

Next week, Monica will rejoin me in Europe with a flight into Paris. For Americans, Paris is one of the most highly sought destinations and often, like it was for myself, competes with London for the first European city visited in one’s life.

If it’s your first trip to Europe, Paris will amaze you with a panorama of beautiful art and architecture. Each morning, an army of green clad trash collectors descends on the city and makes its beauty shine for another day of soups, cheese, crepes and wine. If you believe the people will be rude, they’ll likely meet your expectations. If, on the other hand, you smile and greet with “Bonjour” then ask “Parlez-Vous Anglais?” rather than “Do you speak English?” you’ll probably have a much better experience and soon notice more rude tourists than rude Parisians.

Favorite Paris Places

EuroDisney

It’s Europe’s No. 1 tourist attraction, catering to more people than any other destination on the continent. That’s worthy of mentioning here, and maybe, if you have kids, you, too, will want this on your agenda. However, in approximately five trips to Paris, I have not yet wandered into EuroDisney, but as Monica is a huge Disney fan, I foresee a trip in the near future.

The Louvre

The Louvre may also be a visit you want to delay but only because it is so spectacular. No other art museum will ever live up to the hype once you visit The Louvre. This is, by far, the most magnificent collection of art in the world – paintings, pottery, sculptures – it’s all here. It contains so much art, in fact, that you probably shouldn’t try to see it all in one visit. Even Napoleon III’s apartments are nestled inside. Choose a category that you want to emphasize or hire a local guide for the highlights then continue around the complex until you can’t fathom taking another step toward a piece of art in the near future. Don’t be too disappointed that the Mona Lisa is as small as your notepaper and you’re not allowed to stop there and gawk but instead must look while continuing a walking pace around its edges. There is plenty of other art that will amaze you. Also remember that the Louvre has many entrances so you do not have to wait in queue at the glass pyramid you recall in the Da Vinci Code as most tourists do. But do visit. Life is short.

Nearby on the Pont des Arts bridge, hawkers are happy to give you a lock and key on Europe’s most famous spot for locking your love eternally by throwing the key into the river below. When you return to Paris years later, just trust that your lock is still there and don’t go looking for it amidst the hundreds that have been added in the past couple of weeks.

The Eiffel Tower

You’ll hear many people tell you that you should visit the Eiffel Tower in the daytime and the nighttime for completely different perspectives. In a way they’re right, but don’t spend the time and money on two visits in one vacation. Just visit in late evening and be there when the lights start to flash on before eventually maintaining their brightness in that familiar yellow hue. Also, don’t depend on that brightly lit tower to be your landmark at the end of a late night. At around 1 a.m., the lights dim and the tower fades into the darkness.

From here, you’ll see the full 360 perspective of the Paris skyline, a wonderful blend of architecture and history with only one ugly dent, the Tour Montparnasse, finished in the early 1970s and hated by Parisians as an eyesore ever since. There is one way to avoid the Tour Montparnasse in your photographs and to replace it with the much more beautiful Eiffel Tower. Take those photos from the top of the Tour Montparnasse rather than from the Eiffel Tower. The building is easily reachable by public transportation.

Moulin Rouge

If you’re doing that EuroDisney thing with kids in tow above, you get a different sort of entertainment and should move on. However, we’ve never heard a disappointed visitor for the show at Paris’ classiest cabaret, teetering on the edge of Montmartre and the red light district.The women will be scantily clad and the easily offended should stay away but it’s a world apart from the sleazy strip joints back home with a Broadway-esque caliber performance and classy dancing. I’d order a ticket without the overpriced dinner and eat ahead of time in one of the many wonderful restaurants around Montmartre.

If you have a bit of extra time while waiting on the show, have your portrait painted at Place due Tertre or look up and take a stroll to the Basilica Sacre-Coeur.

Versailles

This is another full-day adventure if you’re ready to explore both the palace and the gardens of the royals. Both are spectacular and it’s worth the trip. You can reach the grounds easily by public transportation so don’t trust tour operators who may lead you to believe otherwise. It is, however, on the outskirts of the city and necessitates a good chunk of time.

Paris Shopping and Eating

If you like outdoor markets as much as Monica does, Paris will be your mecca. For food, antiques, or household goods that are just a bit too pricey in nearby Switzerland, everything you want can be found in these outdoor markets cascaded throughout the city.

When you’re done, take a break in the plethora of outdoor seating offered by Paris restaurants. I don’t remember ever eating at a Paris restaurant twice but I also don’t remember ever having a bad meal. Even better are those small quaint places that have to rearrange and squeeze you into a crowded spot that requires a few people to stand before you can be seated.

Working in Paris

For the perspective of working in Paris, we asked our friend Joel Scs, a business analyst in the IT department of a large bank in the popular La Defense business district. Joel moved from Parisian student to Parisian businessman five years ago.

He’s happy to be located in Paris and finds advantages there over other European cities: “Compared with a lot of other countries in Europe or in the world, the amount of vacation, the social security and work conditions in general are definitely an advantage.France is also a very ‘centralized’ country, so compared with other cities in France, it’s easier to find a job, in a lot of fields. Also, although the lifestyle may be more stressful here, there are a lot of different things to do after work.”

Joel squeezes into the subway daily still half asleep and arrives at work around 9:15 a.m. where “absorption of a cup of coffee is necessary, along with the usual social interaction that goes with it. Real work will start afterward and last until noon or so.” He then enjoys the classic Parisian lunch break from noon to around 2 p.m., although he’d like to stress that it does not always last the full two hours. People begin to depart around 6:30 in the evening and “often people will go have a drink, meet friends, do another activity, or just go home to their family.” Joel currently fills his evenings with dance lessons.

With a plethora of activities available, Joel finds it even more difficult to describe an “average” weekend in Paris. While the mundane tasks of shopping and laundry often get thrown into the weekend schedule, he also finds time for dancing tango and salsa, visiting a museum exhibit and having coffee with his girlfriend.

Joel offers “if you come and visit Paris, enjoy the food, the wine, the view on the monuments! If you want real restaurants, get out of the tourist areas. Lots of good places have nice dishes for 15 to 18 euros (sometimes less). You just may need to know where to look. Locals should definitely be able to help you with this last point!”

Ranking Paris

Paris is the cliff notes version of Europe for those who must choose a destination that offers the most value in the shortest period of time. Now that we’re living in Europe, I prefer the slower pace of visiting many smaller scale European cities for the full context. I give Paris an 8. What is your dream city to visit in Europe?

-Chris

WorkLife Travel Destination: Norfolk

Known for its large Navy presence, Norfolk, Va., is the “cultural hub of Hampton Roads.” With a little bit of everything, the city offers something of interest for all its nearly 246,000 residents.

Favorite Norfolk Places

Town Point Park

Home to several signature festivals, Town Point Park is eight acres located on the waterfront overlooking the Elizabeth River. Great for a lunchtime walk with its proximity to downtown or a Saturday enjoying events, such as the Bayou Boogaloo Cajun Food Festival (a personal favorite), this park is a piece of tranquility in the big city.

Virginia Zoo

With more than 400 animals on display in a 53-acre facility of themed gardens, the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk has grown into a world-class zoological park. Chris and I enjoyed the viewing bubbles in the prairie dog exhibit where you can get a inside look into the natural habitat.

The MacArthur Memorial

The son of a Norfolk native, Gen. Douglas MacArthur was laid to rest in The MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk in 1964. The museum portrays the war hero’s life through personal and professional exhibitions.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Providing the backdrop for a professional development conference I was on the planning committee for, the Norfolk Botanical Garden offered a beautiful location with 155 acres of 40 unique-themed gardens. I was sold when the meeting room’s back wall was made of glass overlooking azaleas and camellias, one of the largest collections on the East Coast. Guided tours are available throughout all the gardens, including boat and tram tours from spring to fall.

Wells Theater

Home to the Virginia Stage Company, the historic Wells Theater is a well-preserved example of Beaux-Arts Classicism from the early 1900s. Stage productions from the classical such as The Christmas Carol to the modern like Honky Tonk Angels play throughout the year.

Other special event venues to check out in the city include Chrysler Hall for Off-Broadway shows, Scope Arena where the minor league team Norfolk Admirals play, and Harbor Park where the minor league baseball team Norfolk Tides play. These venues and more are ran by Seven Venues.

Naval Station Norfolk

The world’s largest Navy base, a tour of Naval Station Norfolk features aircraft carriers, destroyers and amphibious assault vessels. As an active military installation, come prepared with ID and be ready for inspections of your vehicle and person.

Norfolk Eats

A favorite for nightlife entertainment, there are plenty of eateries on Granby Street and Baxter Avenue. Monastery offers Eastern European cuisine in a soothing ambiance. For upscale Cuban, check out Havana.

Off the downtown main scene, Freemason Abbey offers one of the most unique dining experiences. Occupying a former church in tact with stained glass windows, the restaurant offers American cuisine with a full bar. For a fresh Tex-Mex taste, Machismo Burrito Bar is the place to enjoy a burrito as you watch The Tide pass by.

Working in Norfolk

With top employment opportunities in defense and healthcare, Norfolk also promotes a strong environment for entrepreneurship, ranking in the top five cities for Entrepreneur.com. To learn more about the thriving Mermaid City, native Jennifer Cauldwell explains why the city is the “cultural hub of Hampton Roads.”

Currently the Division Head of Public Information for the Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space where she oversees public relations, marketing and community outreach initiatives for the city’s parks and recreation system, which encompasses 18 recreation centers, 12 specialty centers, six pools, eight cemeteries, more than 130 parks and playgrounds, and seven miles of beaches, Cauldwell has been working in the city for the past six years. She enjoys Norfolk as an employee and resident for its plethora of entertainment options and the fact the city government focuses on effective and responsive management. “Whether you are looking for nightlife, entertainment, recreation, the performing arts, or sports, Norfolk has you covered. That vibrancy and energy makes Norfolk not only an amazing place to live, but a cool place to work as well.”

Cauldwell says she works with several City of Norfolk departments to make the city the best it can be for residents and visitors. “One of the reasons that we can continue to call our city the cultural hub of the region is that our team works every day, not just Monday through Friday, to make sure Norfolk is the place you want to visit, play and live.”

Sitting in the captain's seat aboard the USS George H. W. Bush during a Friends and Family Day in 2010. I give Norfolk a 7. What would you give it? — Sitting in the captain’s seat aboard the USS George H. W. Bush during a Friends and Family Day in 2010. I give Norfolk a 7. What would you give it?

When she’s not conducting a ride-along with a local reporter on planting trees, hosting a community bike ride, planning the grand opening of a new aquatic center, developing emergency communication plans, or popping by the radio station for an interview on the upcoming Senior Olympics, Cauldwell enjoys trying out the many new restaurants across the city. “I’m a sucker for a good meal. I’ve lived in this area for almost 30 years and there are still tons of restaurants in Norfolk that I haven’t tried.” She also recommends a visit to the Nauticus where you can view nautical exhibits, including a tour of the Battleship Wisconsin.

Ranking Norfolk

I give Norfolk a 7. What is your favorite military town?

-Monica

Category: Travel

Favorite Buenos Aires Places

Cementerio de la Recoleta

Buenos Aires Eats

Working in Buenos Aires

Ranking Buenos Aires

How did Amsterdam coffee shops start?

What’s so bad about marijuana?

Running the business of Amsterdam coffee shops

Are you up for visiting Amsterdam coffee shops?

The sexual harassment incident

The reality of women’s travel rights

What can you do to support women’s travel rights?

What travel rights do you have?

How do the lodging options stack up?

What is the best lodging option for you?

Favorite Vienna Places

Vienna Eats

Working in Vienna

Ranking Vienna

How to enjoy layovers

Layover in Toronto

Layover in Reykjavík

Where is your next layover?

What does Switzerland mean for W2LL2T?

Travel gifts for Dad

Favorite Paris Places

Paris Shopping and Eating

Working in Paris

Ranking Paris

Favorite Norfolk Places

Norfolk Eats

Working in Norfolk

Ranking Norfolk