Construction Continues…

…at the World Trade Center site in New York City. Where once stood the iconic Twin Towers, you’ll currently find a number of cranes hoisting steel and concrete into the air again. Take a look.

Doesn’t look like much, but there is plenty of subterranean infrastructure that is out of sight. Don’t forget, there are subway lines running through here as well as sewer, water, electrical and other utilities that all of have to connect properly. The next image is of the rising tower on the west corner of the site.

I anxiously await the completion of this entire project. Years ago, I used to enjoy taking visitors to the top of the Twin Towers for a look out over the city and beyond. Hopefully there will be an observation platform on one of these new buildings to afford the same view. Can’t wait.

Published in: on June 17, 2011 at 1:26 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor

For years I read things about the Spanish city of Salamanca. Here was established one of the world’s first universities. It’s also an ecclesiastical city with it’s share of significant church buildings. The plaza mayor is famous in its own right, and for good reason. It is a sterling example of Spain’s architectural legacy. I finally got to see it and was mightily impressed. Take a look at the photo.

There are the requisite cafes, which I mostly avoid in pursuit of more exotic settings for a meal. More important are the throngs of people passing through for business or pleasure. Here the world collides politely. The people watching is fantastic. Take your time and see as much as you can.

Published in: on June 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Túnel de Hada, Hotel and Spa

Previously, I posted about the restaurant at the Hotel and Spa known as Túnel de Hada. Now, let’s focus on the hotel. (Sadly, I did not avail myself of any spa treatments. An error I will have to correct some day.) Jerte is where this hotel is located, a small town in the middle of a green valley loaded with cherry orchards. There’s a small river running through it. More on that later. Here’s a view of the hotel from the rear. The front is on a very narrow street in town.

The building fits in the with the ancient town’s architecture. Here you see the entrance on the ground floor.

Through that glass door you go, into a reception area with a very competent desk staff. My reservation was ready and in a few moments I had the key to my room. At this point I inquired about laundry service and in another few moments, the clothing was on its way to being washed, dried, folded, and pressed, and delivered to me before the evening set in. That’s excellent, especially for a guy who needed some clean shirts. The rooms are slightly dark, but once you pull open the curtains things brighten up. Here’s the sleeping arrangement.

And opposite it was a comfortable area to sit, relax, read, or watch TV.

No, I wasn’t doing any TV watching. I was gallivanting about the town. Take a look at the view into the greenery from the room’s window.

The photo above doesn’t really do the view justice. It was a menagerie of green with the steady mumble of the river for a soundtrack. Lulls you right to sleep, especially as the cool air settles into the valley. Overall, Túnel de Hada was a comfortable and welcoming place to stay, one I would recommend to those looking for an upscale experience in both accommodations and food. Don’t forget to try the spa and let me know how it was!

Published in: on May 31, 2011 at 3:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Hollywood Smokehouse Diner, Aruba

The Hollywood Smokehouse Diner is located in my favorite Aruba town, San Nicolaas, and the food is worth the drive. It’s easy to find, only 2 blocks from the Main Gate of the refinery. There’s plenty of parking in front. Thus, roll into town, go all the way to the end, and on the corner of Helfrichstraat you’ll find this place ready to serve up some Carolina-style pulled pork and Texas brisket that will impress hard-core barbeque lovers. Here’s a view of the outside. Love that Coca-Cola sign, too.

I opted to try two platters today, one pulled pork, the other beef brisket. Platters are served with cole slaw and a choice of sides. As you can see below, I opted for the potato salad and baked beans, both appropriate to the barbeque vibe. Feast your eyes upon this feast.

All that food for 18 and 22 florins respectively. The brisket is the melt-in-your mouth kind. The pulled pork is tender to the fork. You can also order up simple sides like french fries and so forth, if you’re in the mood for a quick snack on the way to or from Baby Beach. My recommendation, go for the whole meal. Mix and match a couple to share around the table, that way you’ll get the full experience of all the flavors. I might also mention that homemade barbeque sauces are tucked in with each meal. They are also top notch flavors, from mild to hot, hot. (Take the big bottle stuff from the grocery store and throw it away.)

To top the experience off you have Mike and Tina, owners of this joint. Great people, friendly, multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Papiamento), and ready to serve the best. My only problem is I’ll blow the buckle off my belt from chowing down here more often that I should. What a way to go.

Bon dia.