A Happy Client

Dear Wendy,  May I thank you very much for the time you spent with me yesterday.  The hotel is very comfortable and inviting, with its light colors in the guest rooms. Looking forward, placing some clients into your property, which is surrounded by luxury.  I did appreciate your invitation and enjoyed your interesting travel log from around the world a lot.  How is your wrist holding up today? With a scarf for support the healing process ought to be much faster.  Good reasons to use all of your scarves.  Again, many thanks and best wishes.  Enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Ena-Maria [Come Together, Corp.]

Travel Fact

2011 May Be A Record Year For LA Tourism. A surge in international visitors and huge crowds attending the NBA All-Star weekend and other downtown events have put Los Angeles on track to host a record number of visitors in 2011. With a 51% jump in convention room bookings this year and a 16% increase in overseas visitors, the bureau estimates that the city will host more than last year's 25.8 million overnight visitors and surpass the 2007 record of 25.9 million. Officials said it was too soon to say exactly what the record will be this year. Downtown Los Angeles hosted 20 conventions and conferences so far this year, up from 17 events last year. And most of those gatherings drew bigger crowds than previous years.

And to all a free night

There has never been a better time to book a vacation to Beverly Hills. In addition to the activities and decorations planned to capture the holiday spirit, And to All a Free Night gifts visitors a free night and holiday libations, with the purchase of two nights, at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Rrive between November 1, 2011 and January 8, 2012.  This includes two complimentary Shopping Galore cocktails upon arrival and continental breakfast for two. Rates start at $309 per night.  * Remember that Rodeo Drive is inviting the world to tweet holiday messages that will scroll along a SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS adorned installation, offering holiday cheer to all. See all holiday happenings at www.lovebeverlyhills.com/sparkle 

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,
I have been traveling and just getting back to my normal routine. I want to thank you for my Birthday card and the October 09 sheet on If you were born on this day.  Thank you.  Best,  Jane Vermeulen [Travco]

Romeo et Juliett

Grigolo signing my CD, Arrivederci.

The Saturday matinee of Romeo et Juliette was the final performance conducted by Placido Domingo, the third opera this season.  Gounod's retelling of Shakespeare's famous tragedy fills the stage with the trappings of French romantic opera.  The performance opens with a festive 19th century ball given by the Capulet family, Gounod's own era. Soprano Nona Machaidze returned to the LA Opera opposite Romeo performed by Vittorio Grigolo making his company debut.  Grigolo's aria [beneath Juliette's balcony]: 'bravura'.
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.  - Shakespeare

Black Friday

Swarms of shoppers were out today trying to get the best deals.  Rodeo Drive was bustling with tourists carrying gift bags and retailers were smiling.

Swarovski Elements

The unveiling of Rodeo Drive's 2011 Holiday Decor was a sparkling event on Monday.  Nearly 55,000 crystals are festooned on the Drive, 41,775 of them used for an interactive sculpture on the median.  Designed to look like DNA helix, the idea was to communicate and transmit information.  Jessica Alba, in glittery dress and shoes, along with the president of Swarovski illuminated the 200 block of Rodeo Drive.  As media flash bulbs popped the street lit up with the first tweeted message of the holiday season along the tubular-shaped sculpture.  You too can participate by texting the word "sparkle" followed by a greeting 877877.  The message will appear on the ticker-tape, in the language in which they are sent.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hey Wendy,
I got your card today. Thank you for remembering my birthday. That page inside describes me to a "t". lol
Prince Reynolds [Tripologist]

Thought for the day

"The things that we most of the time take for granted are always those that deserve our gratitude. Be thankful to that thing or person today and make every day of the year a personal Thanksgiving one."   - Kurt Avish

Happy Thanksgiving

Make a reservation now for Thanksgiving dinner in Cafe Rodeo!  Chef James Jung has prepared a delicious five course dinner, beginning at 12 noon with seatings until eight.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy, I just received your very thoughtful birthday card. That is just so sweet. Thank you so much. You totally made my MONTH! Abby [Quikbook]

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy, sorry I missed you. thank you for taking care of this for us. The room is wonderful! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving if I dont see you. Thank you to your assistant as well. Everyone here is wonderful!
Tony [Neiman Marcus]

Embara

Embara welcoming our canoe.

In El Valle I found a man selling plantains with a matching sling!

We visited an Embara Village near the Gamboa Rainforest Resort; about two and a half hours from Gatun Lake by car and dugout canoe.  It was a wonderful experience; a mostly sunny day despite the rainy season.  An elder took us on a hike to show us plants used for medicine, women demonstrated their basket skills, and dozens of children played.  A day later I slipped and fell while bird watching and fractured my right wrist. Blame it on a toucan!

Casco Viejo

Originally built and settled in 1671 after the destruction of Panama Viejo, by Captain Henry Morgan, Casco Viejo Panama was constructed as a walled city on a peninsula off of Panama City to protect its settlers against another siege such as that suffered in Panama Viejo only 8 kilometers away. The number of original building structures which still stand today (in various stages of renovation and disrepair reflect 16th and 17th century Spanish & French Colonial. UNESCO designated Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo) as a World Heritage Site in 2003.  What was 10 years ago a 'forgotten neighborhood' and rapidly deteriorating slum of Panama City is now in a state of revitalization.  On Sunday, we happened upon a folk dancing event in Plaza Bolivar.  When I approached the stage, these little hams jumped into the frame at the end of their performance.

Wildlife

Wildlife was the operative word in Panama.  We visited the Gamboa rain forest for three days and encountered creatures A to Z.  Seen here is a cappuchin monkey looking out to our boat with curiosity and perhaps thinking he would get a fruity treat.

Just returned from vacation

On vacation!

Looking forward to getting away. 

A Happy Client

Wendy!  Thanks so much for dinner!  You are so much fun! WE LOVE YOU WENDY!  xoxoxooxoxooxo

Have a great weekend!  Kim [Tzell Travel]

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy- Thank you very much for the nice birthday card!  You are very thoughtful.   All the best.  Person [Garcia, Director of Sales - Western USA and Canada / Crystal Cruises- "Voted #1 Cruise Line in the World]

Best in Turkey

This evening Williams-Sonoma held a festive evening of product previews, delicious food tastings and culinary demos.  Walking around the store on Beverly Drive, I nibbled on everything from turkey with gravy and cranberries to pumpkin spice bread.  It felt like Thanksgiving in the store; plus every customer also enjoyed 10% off all in-store purchases between 4pm and 9pm. 

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  Thank you for thinking off me on my birthday! Your card was spot on!!!! I wonder that every day!  Thanks for your warmth and thoughtfulness.  Sincerely, Bell [Vice President & C.O.O. / Mansour Travel Company]

Thought for the day

I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.
- Gandhi

Cinema Italian Style 2011

Supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture-Film Department, with the generous contribution of Alitalia, Baci Perugina, Bulgari, Dolce&Gabbana, Cinema Italian Style offers a five-day film series beginning Thursday, November 10th.  There is an array of Italy's best films, with an emphasis on the country's strong year for comedies with opening night.  Italy's official Oscar submission for Best Foreign-Language Film, Emanuele Crialese's topical drama TERRAFERMA about illegal immigration into Italy will be shown on opening night.  Look for a detailed schedule of films [shown at Egptian Theater in Hollywood and Aero Theater in Santa Monica]http://www.americancinematheque.com/ or http://www.cinemaitalianstyle.it/

Both ruthless and heroic

Seen here with LauryAnn, Boutique Manager /Anne Fontaine, and Pamela Reisman / Pamela Reisman Designs.

In association with Australians in Film and V Australia, I attended a screening of J. Edgar last evening. AiF Ambassador Naomi Watts was unable to be present but AiF member Damon Herriman joined the group at the conclusion.  Fascinating film about such a formidable and untouchable man!  During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America.  As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 48 years, through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hello my dear friend, Wendy. I am always so happy when I receive something from you – for two reasons! 1. – that you are still at my favorite hotel in Beverly Hills and 2. That you are so thoughtful and always remember my birthday month!!! you are amazing and I am trying desperately to get back home. When I do, you will be the first to know since we would not stay anywhere else than the Luxe. How are you doing and what is new happening in the Hills?  Always your friend and admirer, Bev [Vice President, Investor Relations & Events / Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission]

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy, I just received your birthday note in the mail… THANK YOU! That was so nice of you and a great touch to prospective business. :-)  Best, Aubrey [Manager, Events & Clients Services / LA SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION]

Saks Fifth Avenue and Donna Karan New York

Trying to look tall.

The Dream Foundation held an exclusive shopping soiree featuring the Donna Karan New York Fall and Resort 2011 Collections in honor of the foundation's 10th annual celebration of Dreams Gala.  I happily enjoyed informal modeling, refreshments and making new friends.  10% of all sales went to the very deserving Dream Foundation.

A Happy Client

Dear Wendy,  Thank you very much for your time Today. I had a good inspection and wonderful lunch!!  I will make an inspection report and send to all our branches with room pictures.  I really like your hotel. Best location in BH, nice rooms and meeting place, and NICE WORKING STAFFS!!  When I travel to Spain, I will stay one of your hotel too.  By the way, The Japanese TV program's name is TV Japan, Please keep it your mind for future Japanese clients.
Once again, Thank you very much.  Shige  [Kawahori, IACE Travel West Los Angeles Branch]

Morning after

Here we are in the month of November and heading toward the final legs of the holiday tour. I was at The Grove over the weekend and they were erecting their Christmas tree on the grassy knoll.  We haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving!   But don't worry, Beverly Hills will be even better this year.  We have a lot of plans up our sleeve.