Sunday, March 3, 2013

Travel Inspirations

I've been lucky enough to travel around the world the past couple of months and you can't help but become influenced by the culture around you.  In November I was in China, followed by a trip to Japan in December, and then a quick jaunt to Miami in February.  Each place is unique and I found that I took away a love of many things from all that maybe you will love too.

InterContinental Hong Kong
Every time I stay in Hong Kong it's at this hotel and I'm never disappointed.  The lobby bar is situated perfectly on the harbor so you have a great view of the nightly light show.  The choice of restaurants (Spoon by Alain Ducasse, Nobu, THE Steakhouse, among a few more) are just superb.  Service is top notch.  Plus, the hotel location is great for those looking to do some heavy shopping.


Pork Tonkatsu from Maisen
A coworker of mine had told me about this little place that was really hard to find but was known to have the best pork tonkatsu in Tokyo.  I knew I had to find it.  I actually didn't find the actual restaurant but it found me at one of the many depachika (or food floors in department stores) - a must see.  I got two of the sliders and after a long day of slight seeing they were the perfect pick me up.

Maisen at Mitsukoshi Department Store


Maisen Pork Sandwich


Maisen Pork Tontaksu

iHome iP4 Boombox with FM Radio and Apple iPhone and iPod Dock in Pink - $159.99 - Best Buy
When I was in Miami my friend and I saw this young girl on the beach with this boombox and we both just looked at each other and said "What is that thing and where can we get one?"  It reminded us of growing up and taking a boombox to the beach with some cassettes and listening to your favorite tracks.  Now, it's modernized so that you can use your iPod but still have that old retro look.  I think it's just fabulous.