Quick Trip to Baltimore

I had the opportunity recently to take a short overnight trip to Baltimore, which I'd previously visited on business trips several times but never had the chance to play tourist.  This time, I made sure to see a handful of the local sights during my less than 24 hour stay.

Because I only had the afternoon/evening and a bit of the following morning, I focused my efforts on the pretty Inner Harbor area which hosts many of the city's tourist attractions.

Nope, there is nothing wrong with my camera - the city was cloaked in a humid haze most of the afternoon.  

There are plenty of little shops and places to poke around along the Harbor.  Due to the humidity, I decided to stop in for a cold drink and people watch at one of the many terrace restaurants overlooking the view.

From there, I stopped by to learn more about the USS Constellation, which is the last Civil War-era US Navy boat that still exists.  The ship was used to disrupt slave trade during the Civil War, but was later used as a training vessel during WW1 also.  

USS Constellation

You can rent a boat of your own nearly from the same location, though they are much smaller (Dragon-shaped paddle boats below).  I decided to skip the paddle boats (terrible swimmer) and head straight to the Baltimore National Aquarium.  The Aquarium lives up to its reputation as one of the country's largest.  Check it out for your typical shark and octopus display but be sure to see the re-created Tropical Rainforest Exhibit too.  Highly recommended!

Foreground: Rentable paddle boats.  Background: Baltimore Aquarium (triangular roof).
 

By now, it was threatening to actually rain and my stomach was threatening to overtake sensible thought unless fed soon, so it was time to look for a dinner place.  Normally I do extensive research about places to eat great local cuisine before traveling, but as this was an impromptu trip, I didn't get a chance.  So, my dinner research involved squinting around the harbor, looking for something remotely seafoody as tribute to the local specialities.  Yonder in the distance, a sign: The Rusty Scupper.

Liking moths to a flame, my dining companion and I drifted towards it, and made it inside just before it started to pour.  From the restaurant, you can have a really great view of the entire harbor.  As a bonus, we were able to enjoy the thunder and lightening show as well.

But, we came here to eat, no?  As crab cakes are a local institution, we decided to share one for a starter. Since I am new to this whole blogging thing, I forgot to take a picture until after we had both tried a bite.  Sorry!  Anyway, you get the picture - a broiled, mostly crabmeat cake in a light mayo sauce.  It was good in the sense they didn't skimp on the crabmeat, but it didn't knock my socks off.

Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, minus two bites...

Main Course: Fish and Chips and Beer

To continue on the seafood kick, I decided to order the Fish and Chips accompanied by the house beer, a Rusty Scupper Amber Ale.  The fish was flaky, and the beer had a nice orange-blossomy aroma.  It did not compare to my favorite fish and chips in the world (Leo Burdock's, Dublin, Ireland - you will die when you try this!!), but it was decent.  The conclusion?  Come for the view and get some decent food to boot, but for a true gastronomical treat you may want to look elsewhere.

The following morning left me with just enough time for a light breakfast at the hotel and a sprint up Federal Hill for one last look at the harbor (sadly, without the camera which died the night before).  Had the camera worked, I would have also showed you some shots of my hotel, the Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel.  Alas, all I can say is the place is pretty true to its advertising in terms of looks - very East Coast traditional decor, and excellent service.  Best of all, valet parking and a perfect location means I would stay there again next time I visit Baltimore.  And I will be back, as there is plenty more to see and do!

Packing for Summer Essentials

Last summer, we did a driving tour of France for two weeks, driving down from Paris, to Dijon, the Grande Route des Alpes, on to the French Riviera and Provence. It was a trip of a lifetime, and I have never seen such diverse natural beauty - from snow-capped mountains to crystalline ocean shores - in one country.

Part of enjoying that trip was the relaxed easy from which we moved from stop to stop.  That could not have been achieved without packing light.

Because of my frequent travel for work, I learned to be a rather ruthless packer for more formal wear, but it was a little bit of a challenge for this kind of  casual trip, especially when dealing with so many climates.  I've done my best to recreate my suitcase for you below, and as you can see, with a little handwashing here and there, 9 pieces of clothing can make for a fabulous, stylish and worry-free summer travel wardrobe.  This continues to be my summer formula this year as well with small variations here and there.

View of boats from Cannes, France

Packing for Summer Essentials by c'estca featuring rubber shoes






































Tops:
1. Fun top in your accent color - I always like a peasant-inspired style for summer
2. Breezy white blouse which can be punched up with accessories or a cover-up on the beach
3. Striped Breton top - Saint James' shirts are indestructable and worth every penny
4. Soft white t-shirt - I actually prefer longer length sleeves even in summer, for sun protection, and the thin cotton ensures I won't get too hot
5. Light cardigan in a neutral - for chilly evenings, air conditioning, or mountain tops

Dress:
1. Black dress in cotton or linen - can be a comfortable touring outfit or jazzed up for evening

Bottoms:
1.  A white skirt - much preferred over shorts, and just as cool and comfortable
2.  Black linen trousers - comfy, cool, and surprisingly easy to refresh with a bit of ironing
3.  Black knit skirt - day or evening, comfortable and chic

Accessories:
1.  Statement necklace - I actually take two and alternate, but this horn one works well with almost anything
2.  Sparkly earrings - dresses up practically anything to take you to dinner and so small to pack
3.  Floppy hat - again, sun protection is very important!
4.  Sunglasses - I prefer tortoiseshell for my complexion, make sure the style and color suits you before jumping on a particular trend though
5. 2 scarves - yes, even in summer these are great treats.  Tie loosely around your neck or even around the band of your hat for a pop of color.
6.  A bangle or bracelet in your accent color

Shoes:
1.  An interesting sandal or flip flop - but make it special!  I love these heart detailed rubber sandals from YSL.  They are a few seasons old, but they go with me everywhere in the summer.
2.  A great walking shoe* in a ballerina style - for me, nothing beats the comfort of Chanel flats for my wide feet, but there are plenty of other designers doing this style.
3.  A comfy sandal which can be dressed up or down - for me, it's the Oran sandal from Hermes, but the key here is they should fit like a glove, wear well, and look nice enough to go anywhere.

Bags:
1. Tote or shoulder bag in neutral color: the essentials for me are clean lines, go anywhere style, and quality.  It's okay to take your good bags on holiday, I swear. **
2.  Clutch in a neutral color - casual enough for days when you don't need to lug a heavy bag, and nice enough for night.

Polish:
A neutral shimmer on the toes wears well and won't show chips.  I go clear or totally bare on my fingers, so as not to worry about manicures while traveling!


Alight, now for a side-rant on traveling shoes and bags:

* I am not a fan of sports-styled walking shoes and sneakers, esp. in the summer.  I feel they look too clunky and out of place in a chic wardrobe.  I choose shoes that can go with slacks as well as skirts, and if it doesn't pass the skirt test then perhaps it's a bit too sporty for my needs.  I am a firm believer that you can find a comfortable but elegant shoe for most city-touring kind of trips.  I never understand people who look like they are about to climb a mountain when they arrive ready to tour Paris or New York.  What kind of rough terrain or survival challenge do they expect to meet in the pastry shop or museum?  If you wouldn't wear hiking boots to your home town to stroll around, why would you do it somewhere else (especially where you plan to be memorialized by photo)?  My one exception to sporty sandals are Birkenstocks.  Especially if you have foot troubles, these can be a lifesaver.  I think they are an excellent alternative to less-supportive shoes but still look very presentable with their variety of colors and styles.

** Many people let their good bags linger in their closets while they travel.  Your things are meant to be used, so use them!  Of course I am still talking of the city trip here, and not safari, but if you love your Birkin every day of the week at home, why wouldn't you take it with you on holiday?  My nice bags go with me everywhere (in carry-on, never check).  Yes, they have to be looked after, but it's no different than when I am  using them in my own neck of the woods.  Don't leave your bag open or unattended, don't put loosely capped bottles of liquid inside, and don't walk down dark alleys at night.  Really, that should apply whether you are wearing a Chanel or no-name canvas tote.  Take care of your things and they'll last forever, don't use your things and they'll end up fetching a ton in your estate sale - which would you choose?  

<end ranting> ;)



Traveling is about being in the moment, taking in all the new experiences, and being ready for any adventure that may call.  To me, that also means being comfortable and confident in your wardrobe, feeling like you can go anywhere dressed just as you are, stylishly and lightly.  Worry about your clothes before you leave, so you won't have to when you arrive.  With some carefully edited packing, you can enjoy your summer plans without all that baggage!