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| Clouds Over Kabul |
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| The Start of Something Special |
When I took to the skies above Kabul after 79 straight, long summer days of work I knew I was in for a treat. When I looked out the window of my flight I was able to capture the clouds seemingly erupting above the cloud line and was lucky enough to take pictures of them. They looked like they were fist pumping in the air and urging me to press on. With a quick stop in Dubai, of course a stop at Mall of Dubai and a few drinks my travel schedule was going to get a bit hectic from that point on.
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| Lemon Drop |
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| Sushi |
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| Foster's |
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| OPC- AKA Mark........ |
If you have ever worked overseas on contracts you know that there is no such thing as a day off. I mean literally you work 7 days a week and 12.5 hours a day, so when it's time to chill I tend to do the "most" after all I've been cooped up for the better of three months. When last I shared I was on my way from St. Martin but this time I had even more planned. When I first get back to my native DC the first thing I do is get a haircut, then it's off to get a manicure and pedicure (3 months man) and finally to see my parents to catch up and say hello. Shortly thereafter I am unpacking and repacking for an excursion or 2 maybe even 5 or so.
In this instance I would be going from Dubai to DC first then going to Miami, Bahamas, Miami, DC, Dallas, DC, Miami, Barbados, Miami back to DC and finally back to Dubai. All this was happening inside 25 days. Talk about frequent flyer miles, actually talk about travel weariness!
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| Majestic Hotel |
First up was Dubai for a quick in and out. I stayed at the Majestic Hotel in Bur Dubai. The place is located in great proximity to what I want to do and is classy but not over the top. All this and my company pays for my stay there so it's a can't lose. I'm literally there for 12 hours max and then I'm on my way to DC by 2 a.m. This place has great amenities, a cool bar and pool plus three decent restaurants.
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| View from the top |
Next up I'm on my way to Washington DC. The trip from Dubai is routine for me now and it beats having to go back to San Francisco, which is what I did for the prior 3 years. Now the trip has been trimmed to 13 hours. My routine is to get three drinks, watch two movies and fall to sleep for at least 5 hours. After that I will drift in and out of sleep while having movies watch me or music listening to me snore for the remainder of the trip. Everything is made easier with planning.
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| Flying To The Sun |
I'll skip over the first part of my trip as it was on quick 5-6 days in Miami and Bahamas and get back to those in a different post. Instead I'll start with my trip to Dallas. There's a popular saying that all Texan's love to quote: " Don't Mess With Texas"! Not sure about the roots for that statement but I guess it makes sense to them. I try to plan a trip to see the Redskins play an away game at least once per season and Dallas is normally the away game that I choose. In the past when I have gone I stay with friends but this time I wanted to stay in downtown Dallas and just hang out to see new sights and relax. As usual I went online to see what hotels were available and what would suit my taste, what I found was the crown jewel of Dallas Texas, at least in my opinion.
Hotel Joule has everything you need and by everything I mean you will want for nothing. From the state of the art Samsung Flat Screen TVs in you living room and bedroom, the Bose entertainment system, the mini bar, the sunken tub for two and the BVLGARI bath products this place will satisfy your every need. The staff is extremely attentive and accommodating. After traveling outside of the U.S. I noticed that the service industry in the U.S., to put it simply, SUCKS. Our service workers act like they are doing you a favor just by being present and this is across the board, restaurants, hotels, retail stores even coffee shops. These folks have no idea what customer service is let alone how to give it. But in Hotel Joule it's like time has turned back and the service that makes travelers feel at home while away is here in spades. There's turn down service (I appreciate getting chocolates on my pillow when I come in from a long day of tourism), rooftop bar, pool with a view and free cabanas. There are also two great restaurants there on the premises one happening to be a Charlie Palmer Steak House. I really couldn't ask for anything more. I was there for 6 days and I can't even remember opening the door for myself. Talk about "want for nothing service".
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| Hotel Lobby |
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| Product |
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| Lobby Art Work |
When I go on vacation I try to catch the earliest flight possible and reserve an early check in for my room in an effort to get an extra day out of my trip. If you travel frequently and check in with your passport most places are more than happy to put you directly into your room. I'm always traveling from Dubai or Afghanistan when I checking in so there are no problems getting in as soon as I arrive. I got to Dallas at around 1 pm, checked in at 2, unpacked and was ready to hit the town by 4 pm. 1st up was a decent meal. After much deliberation I settled in at the Dallas Fish Market, which just happened to be directly across from the hotel. The ambiance was nice, soft blues and crisp whites in decor and funky house music subtly playing in the background. The food was excellent, drinks flavorful, the service was top notch and the price point was incredible considering the quality of food that came out. I think I sat there for about an hour after eating and just relaxed and listened to the music play. Afterwards I went out to take a few picture and to do some recon on the area...
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| St Jude |
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| Downtown Dallas |
The following day I decided it was time to smell the roses, literally, I guess. I had heard about the Dallas Arboretum from all of the locals so of course where better to do so (smell the roses) than there? Since it was early October of course pumpkins were all the rage and of course on full display there. The cost was relatively low and more than worth it.
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| Lotus Flower |
The next few days leading up to the big Sunday Night Game were spent going to various bars and eateries. Most were good but there are a few that were exceptional. The Dallas Chop House was swarmed so the service was slow but they did the best that they could and the food was well worth the wait but that wait was hellacious (says a lot about the food though)! The Standard Pour is a great place to go whether you have a large, rowdy group or if you want intimacy. I know it seems like the two can't coexist in the same place but this place is able to pull it off and me and the crew had a ball... Go for the "Pickle-Back Shot" (picture below). OMG it's so good...............
The day of the game is always fun but after all of the Pickel-Back shots from the prior day I was on chill mode for most of the game. I did manage to get a few good shots, had awesome seats and enjoyed the game despite the outcome. As you should know AT & T Stadium is simply the best stadium in the U.S. hands down. After all, this was the excuse I used to come to Dallas in the first place. Trust that it did not disappoint one bit.....
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| The Giz-zel under center... |
For my final day in Dallas I wanted to make it simple but special. Yes, I was spoiled by The Joule but I was told that Fearing's was the place to go before I left town. The restaurant is in the Ritz-Carlton so you know it has to be on point in all phases ; decor, innovation, service and quality. It's casual but tell that to the folks that dine there. No matter what you wear you will be made to feel right at home and the food is great, point blank. I had the Dr. Pepper Braised Short Rib, with Mashed Potatoes and Crispy Tobacco Onions and a locally brewed beer. As a take home treat you are given a box of freshly baked chocolate chip biscotti. Well played Chef Fearing, well played in deed.
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| Dessert Choco Trio |
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| Box of Goodies |
At the end of the day traveling is what you make it. I had good friends around me, great food within 100 feet at any time and drinks at the extension of my hand. This combination made for great times. I love traveling solo but groups have their advantages as well. Dallas is a place that I will go to yearly if for no other reason than to see my Skins play the Boys and the bonus is that this is a great city. The people are friendly and eager to help. The rivalry is amicable and trust that while you are there you will throw more than a few back with a fan of the opposite team no matter who's winning or who wins. I love this place. In Other words Do Mess With Texas.........
As usual, I felt as though I was along for the ride.....
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn. Wine country in Feb??? I'll be there!
DeleteAmazing post! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you D. I appreciate that a great deal. I'll be in The Big Easy soon. I'll hit you when I have the plans together.
Delete