Travel Tuesdays – Now will contain Stephanie's Grand Prix Jaunts and Simone's Camino de Santiago walk
Tuesday 27th
STEPHANIE'S GP JAUNT
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
It's big 1 ½ million in the inner city, 7 ½ in the outer. It's modern. As a New Yorker I should feel right at home, particularly as KL is home to the world's largest twin towers, the Petronas Towers. Fortunately they do look different to the NY ones, though close enough to make my first response unease and a quick check of the skies. Anyone who was in NY for 7/11 probably has the same response, though these are more Chrysler building than our lost towers.
But you know immediately it's not NY. The heat for one thing. A humid wet heat that's more constant, and with tropical rain.
Then the people, a mixture of ethnicities. With the food, strongly Asian, spices and satays.
In the midst of all of this over the last weekend was the KL Grand Prix on the Sepang circuit, straight from Melbourne with hardly a moment to breathe for the teams. Pack up, move and reassemble cars and buildings (Red Bull for instance has an 'energy tent' for their drivers and 47 crew). All while the machinery is reviewing what happened the previous week, what the computer feedback is telling them about performance of engines and tires, and deciding how to manage things better.
Remember I mentioned rain? A monsoon one caused the GP to be abandoned and another year blew cars off the track. So in this year's GP when rain had already hit on practice day and then started on the race, there was some trepidation to say the least. There was a little surprise in pole positions- Schumacher sneaking in between the McLaren's and Red Bull drivers – but nothing like the chaos the rain caused.
No fatalities so I can admit to being more than interested in what would happen and just how the rain would spice things up. They'd already been made more interesting by the Lotus hospitality tent burning down over night. Pure accident we were assured, not that their entertainment, food and wine was winning the unspoken competition that even rages at this level between teams.
Teams coming in and out of the pits changing tires was the first observation. The distant lightning and thunder sent their team managers into huddles over computers and the pit crew to mop up the pit track.
Then Schumacher does a 360 and that was the end of him being a serious contender though he did end up in 10th so gets one championship point for his effort.
The safety car comes out because of the rain and then finally the red flag. No racing for a while, not wanting to put anyone at an increased risk. By the time of the restart it was still the McLaren domination of Hamilton and Button but Perez had sneaked into third and Weber next dominating Vettel. How anyone could see anything was a mystery given the level of spray but I think GP drivers think they can walk on water anyway…
The excitement continued thanks largely to the rain. A clash between Button and HRT sent him into the pits and the car was never the same with the winner of the Aussie GP coming in 20th. The pit lane was chaos with a dubious release for Vettel whose tires later fall apart meaning he comes in 11th. Suddenly everything is up in the air.
The final tussle was totally unpredictable from before the race- Alonso who led most of the last half and won for Ferrari and Perez who was on his butt all the way but seemed to get put off an overly cautious team instruction, went wide and was lucky to keep his second. The consolation prize should go to poor Maldonado. His car felt apart in the last lap of the Aussie GP and sure enough this time it started smoking and goodbye to 10th place.
Nothing is ever certain in this race but one more blow up for poor Maldonado and that may become a race 'watch for'. As for the Italians? They are probably still celebrating.
Later in the year you'll be able to read all about Stephanie's Grand Prix adventures in Exclusive
Tuesday 20th March
Stephanie's en route to the GP in Malaysia so hands over to Simone's Adventure Holiday in Germany
There was a conference in Munich and someone offered to pay for me to go. What could I say? It's a tough choice…
Actually it was tougher than it looked at first glance. Firstly I did actually have to attend the conference, if for no other reason other than I was reporting back on the content to my employers who were financing the conference leave. This raised two problems. Research shows that attention span wanes after 15 min but most people can hang in for 40 min. Me? Five max. Then I'm thinking about the articles I'm writing, my blog, next book, character arcs, plot holes…you get the general drift. That said I have sat mesmerised for a whole conference where no slides or audiovisuals were used (and it wasn't a hot male presenter) but that's the exception. The second problem compounding the first is the conference is way more heavily biological and technical than my area of expertise. Just reading the title of the lectures I'm lost.
So I get to day three and I look wrecked. This hasn't been helped by the German wine (my colleagues are enjoying the beer which I gather is what one should do in Germany but I don't do beer) which is well…not French. And the food which would be great if it was the heart of winter but it's not. There is only so much meat and cabbage I need.
yes they're my feet
I finally can bear it no longer. I sneak out and find a tour group (I really am desperate) and jump on their bus. Anything I think to escape the methylphenylalanines or whatever it is that links some sort of genetic structure to the other. Actually methylphenlalanines in chocolate.
The bus I find is going south. All day. I resign myself to finding someone who went to today's conference and taking notes.
on the romantic way in Germany
Suddenly Germany becomes magic. I had always wanted to see Ludwig's castle and suddenly there it is, between my feet. I am running off a cliff and there's a man chasing me (what more can a woman ask for?). Though as he turns the para-glider in circles I think I'm going to be sick. But the magic of sailing through the air over a centuries old magic castle reorientates me. Yes, this is my type of vacation.
Tuesday 13th March
Scotland
I was lucky enough to get a chance last year to go to Scotland. My grandmother used to tell me about where she had been born and her heritage of tartans, shortbread and haggis was evident on every wall of her house. But I had never had the chance to go.
I should hasten to add that my grandmother didn't acknowledge the reason her family left. From the photos of the grim lot left behind, it was damn cold, so I made sure I went in September not December.
Okay I don't think the family lived here, but I suspect they should have and they'd have looked warmer and less grim
I soon found the house my ancestors came from and reassessed about the cold. My grandmother hadn't mentioned that they were right in the centre of the some of the world's finest distilleries. I reassessed the photo too. Maybe they weren't grim, just being kept away from the local too long.
I stopped by Culloden. Was it a film with Mel Gibson in that I'd seen the English and Scottish fight over this bit of godforsaken land? Even in September it was bitter and I personally would have stayed in having a scotch and let the English have it.
Should have had another Scotch and let the English freeze there...
But beyond this little parcel of land the countryside was beautiful. Green and lush coming up from Glasgow, the hills gave way to more rugged rocky heather covered terrain in the north. Deep still grey waters of Lochness (no monster in sight but some of the best mussels I've ever eaten) and windy roads over and around mountains. The highlight? Okay it was the railway, travelling the train through this gorgeous country and right over the bridge seen in Harry Potter movies.
Train trip to Hogwarts... west Scotland
Tuesday 6th March
Queen Charlotte Track, South Island, New Zealand
Okay I was hooked in by the penguins at Banks Peninsula (see last Tuesday's blog) and I forgot I wasn't really a walking type person… so I allowed myself to be talked into the Queen Charlotte track. Great views, walking between B & B's, with excellent food and wine at each stop. Who wouldn't be convinced?
It's worth the walk - Queen CharlotteNo it's not a Kiwi
I forgot to look at how far we were walking. And at the gradients. Day one after an exhilarating boat ride, started up. Straight up. Ninety degrees. Okay I'm told this is impossible but believe me this is how it felt – it was hot after all. When we arrived at the hotel I couldn't move.
It was five days over all. Every day the views were to be honest breathtaking. Like Switzerland in summer. Mountains, pine forests … but with the New Zealand wild life and wine. And they did take my pack by boat…After a glass of wine the feet started to feel a lot better. Actually right now, glass in hand looking at these photos, the views maybe even worth going back for.
No it's not a Kiwi
picturesque in every direction
Tuesday 28 th February
New Zealand: Banks Peninsula Walk, South Island
Okay, I thought I was mad too. I don't do walks. Manolos can't manage more than about five hundred yards. Max. What was I thinking???
Banks Peninsula Walk
I didn't have to carry much, and this was true. Accommodation was provided and you could buy food their too. So I agreed. I'd never been too New Zealand and everyone had told me it was beautiful. And I bought some walking boots.
It was only one night I was told. It would be good for me. What no one told me was that most people do it over four days, three nights. We were doing it at double pace and distance.
Showering Banks Peninsula style
Even though its summer, it drizzled as we started. Bit like Europe- very green and green for a reason it seems. But it was hard not to be caught up in the beauty. Mostly along the coast, across farmlands and through woods, I enjoyed it despite my certainty I wouldn't. Lunch was at stopover for the night for most of the walkers. I looked at them enviously as they took out the boats to go at swim with the dolphins. We kept walking…
Okay I was wrecked by the time we got there. I clearly need to spend more time at the gym.
But I forgot every ache as we came into what had to be the most gorgeous set of cottages set in green lawns and cottage gardens, across a quaint bridge and winding stream.
It looked more English than England! It only got better. Our cottage had a pot belly stove over which we cooked a warming stew, and our beds were high up ladders in the loft. But before bed – the most fabulous bath (even better with two of us…) under the stars, fire heating it below, bamboo fence around us. Tomorrow it'll be the shower in the shed around the tree (pictured). But the piece de resistance was what was in the box at the door of our cottage. Nesting yellow eyed penguins, apparently endangered. Every step of the walk was worth it – even the long way home the next day.
Nesting endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin
Tuesday 21st February
Broome, West Australia– Stephanie has kindly allowed Simone to blog this one!
The people are friendly, the skies blue (well for the first two days. At night there have been downpours, it is after all the wet season and today got drowned in one only five minutes from appartment) and the weather HOT! The humidity is such that sitting at the bus stop for ten minutes I think I lost a litre of fluid. I had to be at the bus stop because there aren't many taxis and unlike all the other tourists I don't have a hire car. This was because I didn't think I needed to go anywhere. However I arrived at the Pearle, Cable Beach, booked into a beautiful suite with our own pool, kitchen, BBQ area only to find the cafe closes at midday (and the bus stops at 7pm). So while there's a beautifully located place on Cable beach that is walking distance, the culinary level is such that we need to eat in once at least. So into Broome to get some fresh seafood.
Mmm Broome. I gave a talk here a few days ago and one of the guys has just moved here and said his wife was finding it hard. I kind of get that. Three days by the pool writing and reading a book? Great. But my whole life? The town is well, small. A ghost town at 10 am but then I found you couldn't buy alcohol until after midday so maybe it livens up then. There was one nice clothes shop (but nothing in my size) and I did find a pair of comfortable black sandals which I had scoured Melbourne for unsuccessfully (if you don't want stilettos-these are fter all intended for mundane work-and don't like platforms there seems to be no options).
Being here in February doesn't help. Yes the hotel is cheap but there's a reason. Still it does mean I saved myself $700 which I would have probably forked out for the one day flight and boat ride to Horizontal falls. I was told by someone at the talk it was worth every cent. Oh well. Maybe I'll make it back again (though seems unlikely given how far away it is from everything and hence very expensive to get here!).
There is a lovely long beach and a picturesque sunset under a night sky laden with stars. That'll be enough.
Tuesday 14th February
Great Ocean Road – Victoria Australia
The Japanese tourists come straight here from the airport. One of those bucket list destinations. Fortunately we missed the tourists. 
But I see why they come.
But how romantic for Valentine's Day (and wonderfully isolated…) is a place called Shipwreck Bay? A gorgeous getaway at Moonlight Heads… Cape Otway Lighthouse. And cute Aussie creatures – no this isn't a hedgehog it's an Echidna.
Tuesday 7th February
Home – New York
I do wish I spent more time here! I now have an apartment in the West Village (you'll hear about it in Exposé, out as E-book in April). I loved Sydney, don't get me wrong, but New York is always going to be home. How many times can you go to the same park and find something new? Infinitesimal in Central Park. If it's not the change of season it's a fun dance act or a little trail you hadn't noticed before. It's a city of can do and will do, where people can make things happen- some amazing festivals and always the people you want to see and hear are here in person! And OMG the Giants won the Super bowl!!!
It's impossible to run out of great places to eat and drink: 
Favorite places to eat and drink :
Jimmy's bar has great views (possibly better than this one )
Stone Rose bar (overlooking Central Park see below in the Fall)
Great hamburgers behind the curtain at Park Meridan
Arturo's for pizza
Gotham Bar & Grill ( I meet my mother there- it's the only place South of 42nd she'll come to- see Exclusive, the final in the Stephanie Beauman series when it comes out)
Sushi Samba – fabulous combination of Mexican, Peruvian and Japanese
Campbell Apartments, a hidden cocktail bar in Grand Central
Other favorites:
Central Park any time of year
Winter Solstice performance in Harlem church
Nutcracker at Christmas
Broadway any day
MoMa
Museum of Metropolitan Art
Tuesday 31st January
Lima, Peru
The weather looks a bit bleak here but on any day it's a great location. Lima didn't do much for me – people very poor and where we were staying there were lots of barbed wire over the top of fences around homes, but dinning here at La Rosa Nautica was fun. The cerviche was heaven. It is easy to make too…just need great quality sea food and some lemon juice and chilli.
Read about it in Embedded when I'm there with Gabriel. www.bookstrand.com/simone-sinna or on Amazon. It just came out in paperback!
Tuesday January 24th
Sydney, Australia
This time last year ago I was in a snow storm in NY.
Being in the Southern hemisphere has its compensations. Sydney skies seem to have more blue more of the time than anywhere else I've lived. NY in summer does but sometimes th
e haze rising off the pavements invades your consciousness and detracts, here it's stark and in your face.
I am having oysters at the oyster bar on the right of this Quay, looking out at the Bridge. If you've never been, make sure it is on your bucket list. I've been lots of places and this harbor is the best. Okay San Francisco has magic, Stockholm has charm, Rio has Jesus. Prague and Venice are gorgeous but they're on rivers. Sydney is just quite simply more dazzling than any of them. Sparking water, everything from tiny sail boats to ferries and ocean liners, hills, inlets and of course the bridge and the opera house. Where else would you have oysters?
Oysters are one of those mysteries of life. You don't really eat them, just let them slither down your throat, pretending they don't look like something left over after a year seven dissection (biology was not my strong suit), paying vast amounts for the privilege. And somehow in the process you can help but think about sex, or at the very least know the hot man sitting with you certainly is.
I'm trying to convince myself I should walk it – the Bridge that is, up and over I mean. There's a tourist company that outfits you (mmm just as long as no one takes a photo. Still a man in overalls …) and attaches you to something so you can't fall. Think I'll have another glass of excellent New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and keep thinking on it.
