Hyatt Regency O’Hare

The Hyatt Regency at O’Hare was picked for our stopover because I liked the look of the lobby.20171216_102259_002 (1) IMG_20171215_230639678

If we did not feel like retiring when we arrived, I thought it might offer options for us to get a few steps in before bed. From Google Maps, it looks like it has a greenbelt or green space to stroll in behind the hotel. IMG_20171216_111234069

It is a huge hotel and there are plenty of floors to explore to reach pedometer goals if you don’t want to go outside, and there are loads of nooks to sit a spell.IMG_20171216_112451702 IMG_20171216_112534291 IMG_20171216_112643260

It is very cold in Chicago this time of year, but it was nice to see the Christmas décor- and the Gingerbread house/zoo/village that the staff created was brilliant!IMG_20171216_105633833

IMG_20171216_104318508 IMG_20171216_104352509 IMG_20171216_104533100

Our impression was that we were among a clever staff and creative people. We were thrilled because there were a bunch of characters trawling all over the hotel that were there for a cosplay event. Although the two of us would not be motivated to go to one, it was a captivating way to spend an evening at a hotel during a cold time of year. Plenty of entertainment and no need to step outside into the cold.20171215_220403_001 (1)

The kids looked like they were really enjoying themselves and had put a great deal of effort into their costumes. Everywhere we turned they were lurking. We took the lift to several floors and did not see any repeat characters.20171216_111925_002 IMG_20171216_112325247

For dinner we found a quiet table at the bar. The drinks and pub food were good. Shared a shuttle with a flight attendant the next day to the airport and she said “something is always going on at this Hyatt ”.IMG_20171215_221441803 IMG_20171215_220531333 IMG_20171215_230718283

The room did not have a view – not a surprise for an airport hotel, but the bed was comfortable. Our room was in the executive wing. There was a soothing sleep machine in the room. The area of the hotel we were in was pretty quiet but I was concerned we would hear the kids in the corridor during the night. Happily, all we heard was an occasional door opening in the morning.

We felt we got a lot more for our money than at the Hilton where we stayed on the way back. The Hyatt offers a variety for breakfast including omelets made to order. It makes you feel a bit better about spending your money. I did not option for an omelet – my breakfast was okay. The server was very keen.IMG_20171215_220334981 20171215_220348_001 (1) IMG_20171216_111913968

If we are staying at O’Hare again I definitely would like to stay at the Hyatt, if they offer a good price, It clearly attracts those attending events at the Hyatt or conference center. I hope they will offer rates for those of us that enjoy the Hyatt, but still would like a good price for just a stopover and a meal. As it is not the main event and staying near to an airport is not that appealing generally…I would like to see an option that includes breakfast, evening appetizers and a drink for two under $150 for members. I booked in August for a December stay. Hotels in Vancouver have rewarded us with vouchers for drinks and meals. We still end up spending money buying additional drinks etc, but feel better about getting a great deal. :-)IMG_20171215_230953358 IMG_20171216_110353322_BURST000_COVER_TOP

Riverwalk San Antonio,Texas

 Just down the road, as they say in San Antonio about Austin… and it is convenient.

Riverwalk Photo by Ncki Hurd

Riverwalk Photo by Ncki Hurd

Going to the Riverwalk from ours is just a few turns and about one and a half hours travel time.

Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas Photo by Nicki Hurd

Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas Photo by Nicki Hurd

The Grand Hyatt was our accommodation this time.  After dinner and cocktails the room  was just a  a lift away. Riverwalk’s convenience gives us a welcome break from driving in the Austin traffic.

Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

A pool area on the 5th floor offers a view of the city at night.  There are tenants on the upper floors. No roof access for hotel guests.

Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

All of the eateries and hotels are close by, but we still managed to get a lot of steps in.

Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

It is generally busy with tourists, but there are various retreats along the way.

Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

Exploring historical hotels along the walk was part of the adventure.

Drury San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

Drury San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

We inspected numerous rooftops, lounge areas, and holiday decor.

Hotel Photo by Nicki Hurd

Hotel Photo by Nicki Hurd

Hemisphere Park is adjacent to the Riverwalk.

Hemisfair Park San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

Hemisfair Park San Antonio, Texas Photo by Andrew Leggett

 

December 27 2013

Runnymede: England United Kingdom

Where the Magna Carta was sealed.

Magna Carta Temple Monument Photo by Andrew Leggett

Magna Carta Temple Monument Photo by Andrew Leggett

Known as a sacred text and the start of human rights, it was intended to limit the King’s power and it inspired the Constitution. The land has commemorative symbols of democracy and monuments of equality, and was donated to the national trust by an American, Lady Fairhaven also known as Cara Leland Rogers Duff Broughton.  Cara Leland Rogers Duff married Boughton an Englishman who later became a member of Parliament.  She also purchased and donated Fort Phoenix, the land of the American Revolutionary War in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.  They married in 1895 and sailed to England on Christmas Day…which I am sure took considerable time, and I was thinking the 20 hours to travel to England from Texas was long.

 

French Brother’s Boat Trip: Runnymede, England UK

Rolling on Lucy Fisher, a short cruise along the River Thames.

French Brother's Boat Trip Photo by Andrew Leggett

French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett

Lucy is a film star that was in Tarzan and many other movies, and is a replica of an African stern wheeled paddle steamer.  She ferried up just for us it seemed at Runnymede Pleasure Ground.

Runymede Pleasure Ground Photo by Andrew Leggett

Runymede Pleasure Ground
Photo by Andrew Leggett

Runnymede Pleasure Ground is a pleasant green meadow along the river with public access, just a short gallop from the hotel.

French Brother's Boat Trip Photo by Andrew Leggett

French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett

The guide was a lovely lad that did not seem to mind that we were the only ones traveling for the last half of the cruise, or that we were unaware that they weren’t prepared to take credit cards, and he had to call in our card to their office.

French Brother's Boat Trip Photo by Andrew Leggett

French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett

French Brothers also travel to Windsor and back, but the shorter spin suited us. It allowed us to stay in the area.

French Brother's Boat Trip Photo by Andrew Leggett

French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett

Weather was stunning.

French Brother's Boat Trip Photo by Andrew Leggett

French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett

Floating along observing the many majestic homes in the area, the character of the boats, the temperament of the captain, all created a sense of following a story along the river .

French Brother's Boat Trip Photo by Andrew Leggett

French Brother’s Boat Trip
Photo by Andrew Leggett

From our roost we peered at many watercraft passing by without creating a wake. Ideal serenity, just a few steps away from the heartbeat of the capital of England.

October,2013

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine: San Marcos, Texas

Just around the corner from Purgatory Creek Park, and it was nice and cool inside.

P1050962

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Nicki Hurd

The atmosphere was simple but nice.

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Nicki Hurd

It appeared to be a family operated business.

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Nicki Hurd

I had a beef noodle dish…

IMG_8410

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Andrew Leggett

 

Andrew had a curry…

IMG_8408

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Andrew Leggett

The food was scrumptious…

P1050967

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Nicki Hurd

 

The price was very agreeable…

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Andrew Leggett

And a very kitschy bog roll in the men’s room.

7-2013

San Marcos, Texas

Depending on your interest, San Marcos is known for its outlet malls- the University- or the spring fed river and 850 acres of natural areas.

Purgatory Creek Park

Purgatory Creek Park Photo by Nicki Hurd

A sinkhole along the greenbelt caught our attention.

P1050926

Purgatory Creek Park Photo by Nicki Hurd

It was bloody hot….

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Purgatory Creek Natural Area Purgatory Creek Park Photo by Andrew Leggett

 

without sufficient shade…

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Purgatory Creek Natural Area Purgatory Creek Park Photo by Andrew Leggett

 

an interesting bridge…

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Purgatory Creek Natural Area Photo by Nicki Hurd

but we did not last long…

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

Purgatory Creek Natural Area Photo by Andrew Leggett

 

gave up and went to lunch….

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine

Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Photo by Nicki Hurd

at Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine…a good choice.

7-2013

San Marcos River: San Marcos, Texas

The river here is spring fed with clear water in most parts…making it a big attraction for fishing, boaters, tubers, and those that just want to float unencumbered.

IMG_8180

San Marcos River Photo by Nicki Hurd

 San Marcos river stretches for 75 miles and hundred of springs flowing into it keep it from drying up.

San Marcos River Photo by Nicki Hurd

San Marcos River Photo by Nicki Hurd

It offers festive sections, serene quiet time, and a home to a few endangered species in the Aquarena Springs.

San Marcos River Photo by Nicki Hurd

San Marcos River Photo by Nicki Hurd

The river water, a constant 72º felt wonderful, and a lovely variety of trees; anaqua, cottonwoods, mesquite, pecans, and sycamores shade the river and beyond.

San Marcos River Photo by Nicki Hurd

San Marcos River Photo by Nicki Hurd

Although Andrews kayak was full of water after going through a rapid… and he sank down a long section instead of floating…it was a great adventure.  We look forward to exploring more of the beautiful river.

 

Gruene River Grill: Gruene, Texas

Hand-shaken martinis were delightful, the food tasty, and we had a view of the Guadalupe River from our table inside.

http://pspective.com/travel/?tag=gristmill-river-restaurant-bar

Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett

It has seating outside, but we optioned to stay in the air conditioning this time.

Gruene River Grill

Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett

A tad bit more expensive than the Gristmill, but with the rustic and relaxed feel of Gruene.

Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett

Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett

7-2013

 

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar: Gruene, Texas

Below the Gruene Water Tower is the Gristmill, a historical landmark; formerly a cotton gin that processed the crops of the local farmers until 1922.

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Andrew Leggett

It is always busy but the wait is never too long … and the beer garden under the oak trees has plenty of seats.

P1050744

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd

The food is nice and the drinks are delicious!

IMG_8339

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Andrew Leggett

We always sit among the trees on the multi-level terrace facing the Guadapule River.

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd

The company is invariably good.

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd

There are several great eateries in Gruene, but stopping here quickly became our tradition.

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd

 

7-2013

Landa Park: New Braunfels, Texas

Watching the duck with ducklings float across the lake was the start of our adventure at the park.

Landa Park Photo by Andrew Leggett

Landa Park Photo by Andrew Leggett

It has a spring fed pool that wasn’t opened yet.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea Landa Park

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Landa Park Photo by Andrew Leggett

We spotted this heron just around the boathouse at the lake..

P1050704There were many lovely birds enjoying the park.

Landa Park

Landa Park

After cycling around we hopped on the train.

Landa Park

I think we sank the train (mini-train) car down to the tracks.

Landa Park Photo by Nicki Hurd

Landa Park Photo by Nicki Hurd

Most riders were wee ones but we enjoyed it just the same.

Landa Park Photo by Andrew Leggett

Landa Park Photo by Andrew Leggett

Our sending off host encouraged us to come back soon.

7-2013