Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 89

Sights to See: Israel

"This is a small country. Every stream, we call it a river, every village a city, and every hill a mountain. We make the most of it," confided my guide, Yariv Hen. And though Israel has existed just over 50 years, it has become one of the strongest economies in the world. And despite the global economic downturn and the drop in international travel, 2010 was the best year ever for tourism to Israel. Here are a few videos that might whet your own appetite to visit this surprising land where the sim card was invented (the cell phone is described here as a piece of plastic with a Jewish brain) and where you can float with ease in the world's second-saltiest body of water.



for more information about Israel



cool facts about Israel:





10 Israel most beautiful places:

Things to Do: Pearl River Mart, NYC

Pearl River Mart 477 Broadway/Grand St., 800-878-2446, 212-431-4770. Daily 10-7:20. This huge department store purveys all things Asian and is fun to walk through—a visit is sort of like browsing all of Chinatown in one big shop. You'll also find a large selection of inexpensive "I Love New York" souvenir items here.



image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: Cafe Montana, Santa Monica, California

Cafe Montana 1534 Montana Ave., (310) 829-3990. Sitting here feels like being inside a glass box. Two full walls are all windows, allowing in plenty of light and providing excellent sidewalk viewing. Cloth-covered tables provide an elegant touch. The extensive breakfast menu includes funnel cake, chicken hash, and blynas crepes as well as plenty more. Lunch is a mix of salads, sandwiches, and pastas—don't miss the B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato on whole wheat or the koldunai (Lithuanian-style beef dumplings). Dinner brings on heavier entrees.



image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: smallest visitor center in the world, England

Located in Northeast England, this just might be the smallest visitor center in the world!

smallest visitor center in the world

Located in Northeast England, this just might be the smallest visitor center in the world!

Good Eats: Casa de Pico, La Mesa, California

Casa de Pico 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #404, 619-463-3267. L-D daily; $$. Happy Hour M-F 3-7. Formerly located in Old Town, this popular Mexican spot features an expansive indoor room and a cozy patio area with fountain. Everyone gets excited when they see someone sipping the famous gigantic margarita—they come in three sizes—and thin, crispy chips arrive with a tasty salsa to nibble on while contemplating the extensive menu. Fish tacos and enchiladas rancheras are popular and delicious, and there are so many other choices that you might have difficulty selecting. Mariachis entertain during dinner Thursday through Sunday.



image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Misc.: Roberta Roller Rabbit, Brentwood, California

Roberta Roller Rabbit 225 26th St. #4, in the Brentwood Country Mart, (310) 899-4440. This unusual shop purveys its own line of clothing and accessories made with hand-blocked Indian prints. The kurta (pronounced k-er-ta), a simple traditional Indian tunic, is a prime piece, and the prints and colors are enticing, but blouses, neck scarves, and bedding are available as well.



image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers  

Good Eats: Wahoo's Fish Taco, Brentwood, California

Wahoo's Fish Taco 11911 Wilshire Blvd./Westgate Ave., (310) 445-5990. At this casual spot, place your order at the back, and then select one of the mix-matched Formica tables or booths. Entertainment from one of the TVs playing overhead is an option while you wait for your Mexican fast food. Menu choices include the namesake fish taco, burritos, and other standard Mexican items, plus a selection of rice bowls. Filling choices include meats, fish, and seafood, as well as tofu, mushrooms, and mixed veggies.



image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Philadelphia Mummers Parade, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Mummers Parade  This festive parade has marched down Broad Street every New Year's Day for more than 100 years. One of the longest running traditions in the country, it began in the 1800's as a way to celebrate the New Year and ibecame an official city event n 1900. Participants wear elaborate costumes made with feathers and sequins galore, and you'll see plenty of cross-dressing.



image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Things to Do: Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore, Paris, France

This just might be enough for you to finally go buy a ticket to Paris.