Avoid the lag…

Posted by Staff in Flying, Tip of the Week

To avoid jetlag when you are traveling far, make it a habit to change your watch to the new time zone once you get on the plane…and start living by this new time zone immediately. Acclimating as soon as possible will help ease the pain of jetlag.

Dreaming in Bangkok

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, Thailand

Naming a hotel Dream can be a risky endeavor, as you are setting your guest’s expectations high from the get go. But a hotel in Bangkok has successfully tackled this feat, Dream Bangkok.

The hotel’s goal is to make you feel as though you are sleeping on a cloud…this effect is accomplished by super soft bedding and blue lights penetrating from under the bed.  Other features in the room include large plasma TVs, preloaded iPod players, plush bathrobes and free bottled water (a must after the grueling long flight to Bangkok).

Set in the heart of the city and close to the Skytrain, the hotel is easy to navigate to and from.  The chic modern interior has been used for many music videos and is popular amongst Asian glitterati. 

The best part is that this hotel offers all the amenities you would expect of a five star hotel but at super low prices with rooms starting at $75 per night. dreambkk.com

Chimichurri

Posted by Staff in Argentina, World Recipes

This week’s recipe is from Argentina.  Chimichurri is a sauce that is used over steaks and also used as a dipping sauce.  Enjoy!

1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 Cup Water
1 small bunch flat leaf-parsley; chopped (should equal about 1/2 cup)
1 medium onion; finely chopped
4 cloves garlic; finely minced
1/2 of a red bell pepper; seeded and finely diced
1 tomato; peeled, seeded, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Teaspoon bay leaf (laurel); very small flakes
1 Tablespoon coarse salt
1 Teaspoon ground black pepper
hot chili flakes to taste

Make sure all of the fresh ingredients are well washed and clean before preparing.

Add all of the ingredients except the oil and vinegar into a large bowl and toss well to make sure that the salt is spread evenly around the ingredients. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Next add the vinegar and water. Mix well. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Finally add the oil and mix well. Make sure that the liquids cover the rest of the ingredients. If not add equal parts of oil, water, and vinegar until they are covered at least by a quarter of an inch. Transfer to a non-reactive clean bowl or jar that can be covered. Make sure to cover well. Place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend overnight. For better results prepare at least 2 or 3 days ahead of time.

“Apon” by Fani Drakopoulou

Posted by Staff in Greece, Travel Tunes

Enjoy some Greek pop music from Fani Drakopoulou…the song is called “Apon”