Penelope Witherspoon's Travel Thread

[Lazarus Bocanegra 303]

On 1/27/2024 at 3:18 PM, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

 

I want to add 3 more this year.  I'm going to hit Germany and Austria.  I feel like I might do something in Central America.  Anyone have recommendations?

Guatemala.  Antigua, Atitlan, Huehuetenango

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Alright, I'm in London for work the week of March 18.  It is cheaper for me to fly home from Paris, so I'm going to be magnanimous and go to Paris for a weekend.  

Then I'm back in London for work the 16th of April.  That trip is a bit open ended, but I think I might try and hop down to either Rome or Cordoba once we've wrapped everything up and signed our accounts.  

Still playing with the second trip, but the first is done.  Flying JFK to LHR on the 16th of March.  I will train to Paris on Friday, March 22.  Not sure what time yet, but as I'm going to try and submit our draft accounts around noon, I'll try and get out early afternoon.  

I'm going to stay at Le Roch, because I love it.  Thinking dinner at MoSuke because I loved it and it's only open weekdays. No plans the rest of the weekend other than most likely flying back at 4:15 pm on Sunday.  

 

 

[Orale 1087]

On 1/28/2024 at 11:07 AM, midtown said:

I was in Nicaragua in last week of Oct.  Was awesome.  Esp Ometepe.  Headed to Guatemala in two weeks.  Will report back.  Panama last February.  It was OK.  I probably owe it another try.   Will hit both El Salvador and Honduras this year to close out all 7 Central America coutries

How was El Salvador? That's on my bucket list but it's been so dangerous for years. 

[midtown 3341]

It's next.

I'm in Guatemala right now. Amazing pais.

As far as El Salvador. Watch some documentaries on what their presidente has done about taking their country back

[Wiler77 1555]

1 minute ago, midtown said:

As far as El Salvador. Watch some documentaries on what their presidente has done about taking their country back
 

Pretty interesting NYT "The Daily" podcast about it maybe 2 weeks ago.  Free with Amazon Prime

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

So, weekend in Paris in March.  Then thinking a long weekend in Rome in April.  Working these around work trips to London and celebrations for hitting big work deadlines.  

Will probably have something in June (will be in the UK), then Florence and Tuscany in September.  I was also hoping to do some Christmas Markets in December (another work trip to London to wrap up the year).

Still going to try and do a cheeky weekend in Central/South America as well if possible.  Maybe even Mexico.

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

London trip on March 16 is all booked.  Then Paris for the weekend at the end.  

While in London, I will be working a lot, but trying to make time for some outstanding meals.  Will hit up The Devonshire for an early Sunday dinner.  Monday night, I have dinner booked at Chishuru (the new one), though that one could change if my friend is up for meet up.  Tuesday, a colleague and I are hitting Brunswich House.  Wednesday is open so far.  Thursday, heading to The Grazing Goat in Marylebone to catch up with a bunch of former colleagues.

I am trying to get things signed off on Thursday before I leave so I can fuck off to Paris early on Friday.  Staying at Le Roch, where I always stay.  Hitting up Lafayette's for dinner on Friday.  Lafayette's is a new Mory Sacko restaurant in the former home of the Marquis de Lafayette, which is also now a hotel.  The space looks amazing.  I have my fingers crossed that a last minute cancellation means I can get into MoSuke, but this is a grand back up plan.

Doing lunch Saturday at Juveniles, with Saturday dinner open for now.  Then Sunday, I fly back to NYC around 4 PM with a layover in London (a very short one, so my BA status will be helpful!).  

The second trip to London will be in April, and will be until we have our UK auditors sign our UK accounts.  Afterwards, I am still trying to decide where to fuck off to.  I was going to go to Rome, but there is a national holiday smack dab in the middle of that where everything closes.  So then have thought about Vienna, but I think I want some sun.  Looking into South of Spain or Portugal at the moment, but nothing booked on this trip at all.  And 3rd time in London this year will be in Mid-June when a new member of my team joins.  I will at that point have 5 employees in London vs. 1 in NYC and 1 in Houston.  For that one, I have no idea what I am doing.

[mchookem 16095]

1 hour ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Hitting up Lafayette's for dinner on Friday.  Lafayette's is a new Mory Sacko restaurant in the former home of the Marquis de Lafayette, which is also now a hotel.  The space looks amazing.  I have my fingers crossed that a last minute cancellation means I can get into MoSuke, but this is a grand back up plan.

first i was like 'oh is that THAT Lafayette??' and then i was like 'duh!' and then i looked it up. and checked out the website and menu. and immediately tried to make a reservation lol.

i'm several months out but 'Malheureusement, il n'y a pas de disponibilité pour l'heure sélectionnée.'

they're either booked three months out (wow!) or it's like the trains and it's too early to book. ha... i'm gonna guess probably the latter? but that looks fantastic and is not far from where we're staying. it's going on the list and i'll keep trying. merci 😊

 

 

[Brisketexan 104465]

London trip on March 16 is all booked.  Then Paris for the weekend at the end.  
While in London, I will be working a lot, but trying to make time for some outstanding meals.  Will hit up The Devonshire for an early Sunday dinner.  Monday night, I have dinner booked at Chishuru (the new one), though that one could change if my friend is up for meet up.  Tuesday, a colleague and I are hitting Brunswich House.  Wednesday is open so far.  Thursday, heading to The Grazing Goat in Marylebone to catch up with a bunch of former colleagues.
I am trying to get things signed off on Thursday before I leave so I can fuck off to Paris early on Friday.  Staying at Le Roch, where I always stay.  Hitting up Lafayette's for dinner on Friday.  Lafayette's is a new Mory Sacko restaurant in the former home of the Marquis de Lafayette, which is also now a hotel.  The space looks amazing.  I have my fingers crossed that a last minute cancellation means I can get into MoSuke, but this is a grand back up plan.
Doing lunch Saturday at Juveniles, with Saturday dinner open for now.  Then Sunday, I fly back to NYC around 4 PM with a layover in London (a very short one, so my BA status will be helpful!).  
The second trip to London will be in April, and will be until we have our UK auditors sign our UK accounts.  Afterwards, I am still trying to decide where to fuck off to.  I was going to go to Rome, but there is a national holiday smack dab in the middle of that where everything closes.  So then have thought about Vienna, but I think I want some sun.  Looking into South of Spain or Portugal at the moment, but nothing booked on this trip at all.  And 3rd time in London this year will be in Mid-June when a new member of my team joins.  I will at that point have 5 employees in London vs. 1 in NYC and 1 in Houston.  For that one, I have no idea what I am doing.

Cool as shit. Really trying to absorb as much as we can about London - the daughter is moving there right before you get there (the 14th). She’s heading there to find a job, as the opportunities for polylingual folks looking for entry level stuff is better there (and she has a 2 year blanket visa now). Don’t think her budget will have her visiting many of your haunts, but might as well learn. She’ll be living up in Hackney.
We’ll be heading there in August - main purpose of the trip was Scotland, but now we’ll spend a coupla days in London with her. Figure we’ll spring for a nice dinner or two while we’re there.

[thrillhammer 683]

22 hours ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

London trip on March 16 is all booked.  Then Paris for the weekend at the end.  

While in London, I will be working a lot, but trying to make time for some outstanding meals.  Will hit up The Devonshire for an early Sunday dinner.  Monday night, I have dinner booked at Chishuru (the new one), though that one could change if my friend is up for meet up.  Tuesday, a colleague and I are hitting Brunswich House.  Wednesday is open so far.  Thursday, heading to The Grazing Goat in Marylebone to catch up with a bunch of former colleagues.

I am trying to get things signed off on Thursday before I leave so I can fuck off to Paris early on Friday.  Staying at Le Roch, where I always stay.  Hitting up Lafayette's for dinner on Friday.  Lafayette's is a new Mory Sacko restaurant in the former home of the Marquis de Lafayette, which is also now a hotel.  The space looks amazing.  I have my fingers crossed that a last minute cancellation means I can get into MoSuke, but this is a grand back up plan.

Doing lunch Saturday at Juveniles, with Saturday dinner open for now.  Then Sunday, I fly back to NYC around 4 PM with a layover in London (a very short one, so my BA status will be helpful!).  

The second trip to London will be in April, and will be until we have our UK auditors sign our UK accounts.  Afterwards, I am still trying to decide where to fuck off to.  I was going to go to Rome, but there is a national holiday smack dab in the middle of that where everything closes.  So then have thought about Vienna, but I think I want some sun.  Looking into South of Spain or Portugal at the moment, but nothing booked on this trip at all.  And 3rd time in London this year will be in Mid-June when a new member of my team joins.  I will at that point have 5 employees in London vs. 1 in NYC and 1 in Houston.  For that one, I have no idea what I am doing.

houston is becoming quite the foodie town.  you might be surprised.

[Gil Bang 25865]

Marylebone tube station was prominent in "A Hard Day's Night".

I was so geeked in there I almost jacked off. 

 

[Gil Bang 25865]

On 3/2/2024 at 6:12 PM, Brisketexan said:

Cool as shit. Really trying to absorb as much as we can about London - the daughter is moving there right before you get there (the 14th). She’s heading there to find a job, as the opportunities for polylingual folks looking for entry level stuff is better there (and she has a 2 year blanket visa now). Don’t think her budget will have her visiting many of your haunts, but might as well learn. She’ll be living up in Hackney.
We’ll be heading there in August - main purpose of the trip was Scotland, but now we’ll spend a coupla days in London with her. Figure we’ll spring for a nice dinner or two while we’re there.

If you have time, the Churchill bunker looks amazing.  It was closed when I was there (Christmas week). It's at the top of my list for my next trip. 

[Brisketexan 104465]

If you have time, the Churchill bunker looks amazing.  It was closed when I was there (Christmas week). It's at the top of my list for my next trip. 

We went on our first visit to London. It is indeed super cool.

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

15 hours ago, thrillhammer said:

houston is becoming quite the foodie town.  you might be surprised.

You do know I lived in Houston for 12 years, right?  Left in 2019, thank goodness given the shit going on in Texas since 2019.  

[midtown 3341]

If you have time, the Churchill bunker looks amazing.  It was closed when I was there (Christmas week). It's at the top of my list for my next trip. 

I've been twice and will take my buddy in May. It never gets old

[thrillhammer 683]

5 hours ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

You do know I lived in Houston for 12 years, right?  Left in 2019, thank goodness given the shit going on in Texas since 2019.  

seems like you've been in ny longer than that.  yes, it had started to become a foodie destination by 2019.  probably a little moreso now but what isnt?

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

7 hours ago, thrillhammer said:

seems like you've been in ny longer than that.  yes, it had started to become a foodie destination by 2019.  probably a little moreso now but what isnt?

5 years in August.  Granted Covid felt like forever.  

I am leaning back towards going to Rome in April.  As I do more research about Liberation Day in Rome, the more I think it would be fun to be there.  

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

I've been MIA as this time of year sucks for me thanks to work.  I was in London on St. Patrick's Day. Had cake for lunch then dinner was a Sunday Roast at the Devonshire.  

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Worked my ass off in London but did make it to Chruchill's the night before I headed off to Paris for a 44£ cocktail.

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

So, in London...again.  I've been in London almost as much as NYC over the last 6 weeks.  

 

[Mrs Whiggins 13049]

Per usual the photos are top notch and the food always looks sooooo good. That roast beef from back in March, oh my word, that is one of my favorite meals--beef with potatoes, carrots, and homemade rolls or a Yorkshire pud.

One of my kiddos is working for a company that has offices in Dublin and London and I keep waiting for the news that a move to there is coming because those two cities were places to which he wanted to return for an extended stay.

[The Ace of Aces 5106]

If you’re in town may 3-5 we’ll be there and I’d be happy to buy you a drink between shows.  

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

6 hours ago, The Ace of Aces said:

If you’re in town may 3-5 we’ll be there and I’d be happy to buy you a drink between shows.  

Will be in NYC.  As of now, won't be back in London until the 1st week of July.

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

In Paris now.  Finally seeing all the preparations for the Olympics.  I mean, I know they were going on in March, but just wasn't as apparent.

 

[mchookem 16095]

we're right at a month out from Paris! i'll be updating my thread shortly...

man, your London pics are fantastic...and the food looks incredible, which is something i never thought i'd say about British food lol. looks like some different cuisines though.

back to Paris...is it really horrible, or more just inconvenient, scaffolding, etc. around some big attractions (the tower, etc...Notre Dame i know is still undergoing repairs - i bet they are really trying to rush to finish before the start).

made reservations at Lafayette's today, woohoo 😁

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

7 hours ago, mchookem said:

we're right at a month out from Paris! i'll be updating my thread shortly...

man, your London pics are fantastic...and the food looks incredible, which is something i never thought i'd say about British food lol. looks like some different cuisines though.

back to Paris...is it really horrible, or more just inconvenient, scaffolding, etc. around some big attractions (the tower, etc...Notre Dame i know is still undergoing repairs - i bet they are really trying to rush to finish before the start).

made reservations at Lafayette's today, woohoo 😁

 

Lafayette's fried chicken is absolutely fantastic.  Also, the inside of that restaurant is STUNNING.

It isn't really horrible.  There are TONS of people, but Paris has been like that since we got out of COVID (a lot of people who never traveled are suddenly traveling).  Just scaffolding and improvements.  You don't really see it in the hearts of the neighborhoods.  However, I am avoiding tourist places and just wandering around.  

[mchookem 16095]

@PenelopeWitherspoon i am sure the fried chicken will be one of our selections! i saw they also have a 'TexMex Duck Breast' which i cannot even imagine what that may be like😄

but that reminds me, i do have a question for you since you've visited Paris so much...we are going to be traveling around France for like 11 days, from one side to the other, and obviously i expect we will be eating a variety of delicious FRENCH cuisine. so since we are going to be eating so many 'french' meals, i thought it might be fun to try something different...and i'm actually really curious about french mexican food haha.

not their version of TexMex, but like actual French-Mexican - have you tried any place like that, or do you have a recommendation?

interestingly there seem to be quite a few mexican restaurants (not including things like Chipotle)...along with soul food, cajun, and bbq. i just think it's interesting to see what American cuisines end up over there besides the standard hamburger of course. anyway, i doubt we'll try any of those...but i am actually pretty curious what French-Mexican food might be like! 🙂 

Edited April 30 by mchookem

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

On 4/28/2024 at 7:20 PM, mchookem said:

@PenelopeWitherspoon i am sure the fried chicken will be one of our selections! i saw they also have a 'TexMex Duck Breast' which i cannot even imagine what that may be like😄

but that reminds me, i do have a question for you since you've visited Paris so much...we are going to be traveling around France for like 11 days, from one side to the other, and obviously i expect we will be eating a variety of delicious FRENCH cuisine. so since we are going to be eating so many 'french' meals, i thought it might be fun to try something different...and i'm actually really curious about french mexican food haha.

not their version of TexMex, but like actual French-Mexican - have you tried any place like that, or do you have a recommendation?

interestingly there seem to be quite a few mexican restaurants (not including things like Chipotle)...along with soul food, cajun, and bbq. i just think it's interesting to see what American cuisines end up over there besides the standard hamburger of course. anyway, i doubt we'll try any of those...but i am actually pretty curious what French-Mexican food might be like! 🙂 

I have not tried to find Mexican in Paris. Lafayette's was about as close as I got.  I do know of Candelaria, but I cannot opine on how good it is.  I do hear it is popular.   

However, if you get tired of French cuisine, I recommend Moroccan.  Some really good Moroccan places in Paris (Le 404, Le Tagine).  

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

So, finally figured out the rest of the year.  In July, back to the UK for work (new joiner on my team), and then we are hitting up Silverstone for the F1 race.  We are either going to stay 3 nights in Oxford or Warwick.  Just waiting on my friends to decide on place, then we will book (tickets already in hand).

September, during UN week, we are most likely having an all hands accounting meeting in London (too expensive in NYC, and easier for colleagues in South Africa and Singapore to get to London vs. New York).  After that, I am planning on jumping on a plane to Naples.  I have been to Naples before, but the last time I was there, we might have partied a bit too much, and definitely were too hung over to make it out to Pompeii.  So that being said, my plan is to enjoy baths, visit Pompeii and Herculunaem, eat lunch here (Lo Scoglio), and other stuff I have yet to even think of.  Most likely won't go to Capri or the Amalfi Coast as I have done that before, and I want to return to both when I have more time to spend.  After 5 nights in Naples (the first, I arrive late from London so that is just a wasted night), I am popping up to Rome to catch a flight to Madrid.  Then I will train to Cordoba.  

The plan is to spend 3 nights in Cordoba exploring.  I might have dinner at Noor, which just got its third Michelin star, but we shall see.  I have been wanting to go to Cordoba for years, so I am super excited about this.  Then I am headed to Estepona for the next 5 nights.  I have a house that opens right onto the beach, which is awesome.  It is about a 30 minute walk into the historic city center, but I can also rent a bike, and then it is only about 5-10 minutes, which is the plan.  By doing this in early October, things will be less crowded, but the weather should still be very nice.  

Ultimately, my plan is 7 days of exploring and history followed by 5 days of relaxation.  AirBnBs are already booked, and should dates change, they are fully refundable.  Too early to book flights yet, but that is usually when I head to London in Q3, but I alreay have three flights I need to have reimbursed at the minute, so want to hold off booking this one until I finish up my expnese reports.  LOL.

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Ok, long weekend in Oxford for the race.  I have never been to Oxford.

Also, just fully realized that on my middle trip back from London, Lewis Hamilton was in seat 1K right in front of me.  I confirmed it when I saw his tattoos from pirctures at the Met Gala.  I thought on the flight it might be him, but I wasn't stealthy enough to get a photo to confirm. But I remember his tatoos on his arms and hands, and yep, that was him.  LOL.    

 

[RamjetFDO 10554]

Oxford is amazing ... you'll get gloriously lost wandering the streets and alleyways between the colleges.  Pro Tip - bring some pound coins with you, as each college has an entrance fee and (at least a few years ago) were not credit-card admissions - paper/coins only.  It wasn't much, just a couple of pounds, but totally worth it.  Each college has their own spectacular cathedral, rivaling the most famous  one (Christ Church).  The museums are awesome - and if you're looking for a good pub for lunch one day, I recommend The King's Arms (https://www.kingsarmsoxford.co.uk/).   

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Flying tonight.  I have not had a lot of time to dedicate to posting on my site in a long time (or even talking about my last two weekends in Paris).  Last post on the site was in December.  I do have two I have been working on, but work has been nuts and there is just too much to do!

Anyways, leaving tonight for London (Again) and Oxford.  Thanks @RamjetFDO for the suggestions.  My friend booked somewhere for dinner on Saturday night (Arbequina) which came highly recommended.  The race is on Sunday at 3 PM, so we will head out that way after breakfast.  The after race act is Rudimental, which I have never heard of. Monday will be our exploring day as on Tuesday, we have a 9 AM train back to London so we can catch the Heathrow Express and get back to the states.  

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

On the plane. 5 glasses of champers in. First two were in the Chelsea lounge (Ruinart). Second two while waiting to take off (Piper Heidsick Monopole). This one is La Grande Dame (so good).

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

So earlier this year, I did two trips (weekends) to Paris. First weekend was in March.

First, checked into my hotel. Then went shopping along Rue Saint Honore around the corner from my hotel.

 

 

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Then that night, headed to Lafayette's, walking from my hotel (Le Roch Hotel & Spa) down Rue Saint Honore to Rue d'Anjou. I started with a cocktail and graduated to La Grande Dame. Lafayette's is located in the former townhouse of the Marquis de Lafayette which now houses the restaurant and the Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré hotel. After my cocktail, I had Langoustine crudo, passionfruit dressing followed by Lafayette's fried chicken with their spicy sauce (honestly, the fried chicken was outstanding).  Next was the Cajun salmon with grilled sucrine lettuce and cajun spice sauce.  Dessert was their version of a lemon tart.  Also, had a Rose Champagne to go with it as well as mint tea. The restaurant underwent a $6M renovation and is full of period pieces.  It is a spectacular space that is frequented by the fasnion elite for events.  I know @mchookem tried it as well, but I never heard her discuss her experience.

Edited July 12 by PenelopeWitherspoon

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

The next morning (Saturday), I wandered to the Place des Vosges and hit up one of the many weekend flea markets and found all sorts of cool stuff.

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Lunch was at Juveniles.  It was amazing. I highly recommend it.

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Went to Madame Simone for a cocktail then to Le Saint Sébastien for dinner.  Another great restaurant. 

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Sunday AM was a visit to the flower market on the Ile de la Cite and more wandering around.

 

[SurlyGator 860]

I want to party with you, cowgirl.

[mchookem 16095]

sigh. i want to go back.

[mchookem 16095]

Lafayette's was gorgeous, loved the building. we had the oysters, corn chowder, fried chicken, truffle mac&cheese, a pork tenderloin dish and the lemon tarte for dessert. 😊 it was one of the more memorable meals of the trip (along with Trattoria Sostanza in Florence)...the oysters had some kind of frozen citrus topping that was just a flavor bomb! and i thought i didn't like truffle until this meal. 

couple of my pics match yours 😁

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

I was back in Paris for another weekend in April. I stayed again at Le Roch and was upgraded to a Hammam Suite with a terrace. Of course, it rained most the weekend, so the terrace got no use, but the steam room did. I had to wait a bit for my room to be ready so I wandered in the neighborhood, got a coffee at La Coupe d'Or then had a sushi lunch at the popular Japanese place across from the hotel, Foujita.

 

Edited July 12 by PenelopeWitherspoon

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

After getting to my room and completely unpacking, I took advantage of the steam room and got ready to head out.  I went and bought wine at E Dehillerin and then had dinner at Jeanne-Aimee.

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Saturday morning was coffee at Cafe de la Paix then a jaunt back over to the Marais and Place des Vosges. Stopped in at Babka Zana and did some shopping. Then had lunch at Oktobre, which I highly recommend.

After lunch, wandered around the 6th a bit, then back to pick up my personalized purchases at Officine Universele Buly.

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Dinner was at AMALIA, and I have to say, it was absolutely outstanding. 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

All in all, two excellent weekends in Paris.

I was recently back in London for work.  Sunday dinner at the Devonshire followed by drinks at the St. James bar. Our favorite bartender Mario is now at Bar Termini, but they have a new excellent bartender, so worth a stop.

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Monday night, we went to The Barbary.

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Tuesday was Manthan.

 

 

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19073]

Wednesday, we went to Kinkally. It's a new place, and it was most excellent.