Wisetrips Travel Blog

This is a bit off-topic, but for Hannukkah, I purchased a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 set for my son Alexander. He likes building various contraptions using Lego blocks, and this would provide added fun with all the possibilities of motorized, programmable robots. Using Mindstorms 300+ parts, one can build a couple of different robots that can be controlled by the included remote or a downloadable iPhone/iPad app. In addition, it c…

After seeing " Tristan & Yseult " at Berkeley Repertory Theater, we stopped by for a late lunch at Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen in Berkeley. Many years ago, after graduating from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, I moved to Houston, Texas, to work for Compaq Computer. While living in Houston, I came to love and appreciate spicy Cajun cooking, especially at restaurants like Pappadeaux . Living in California, I …

Today, we saw the Berkeley Repertory Theater's production of " Tristan & Yseult ". Synopsys: King Mark rules with his head, until he falls head over heels for his enemy’s sister. Based on an ancient tale from Cornwall, Tristan & Yseult revels in forbidden desires, broken hearts, grand passions, and tender truths. It’s another marriage of gorgeous music and ingenious staging from the acclaimed crea…

I saw The Barber of Seville  at the San Francisco Opera today. The stage had a beautiful modern rendition of Seville, Spain. It was elegant and classic at the same time. The performers' costumes were richly detailed and appropriate for the opera. I especially enjoyed the small touches, like the rising moon, the bicycles that Figaro rode, the beautiful balloons, and the car (and snow in the performance). I really …

I saw the musical Evita at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts today. Evita had a few memorable songs, like " Don't Cry for Me, Argentina ," but I found it boring. The show was too long, and I wondered when it would finally end. The overall story was relatively weak, making it difficult to follow many songs. Maybe it was the San Jose production, but this musical did not endear itself to me. This…

Today, we had fun trick-or-treating in our neighborhood at the Almaden Winery. Inna dressed as a Blue Monster, and I was Ted  the Bear. Our neighborhood had many well-decorated houses. Alex collected tons of candy, and we had fun exploring the neighborhood at night, seeing all the fabulous costumes.�����������������������������������������������…

We saw Sarah Brightman's Dreamchaser concert at SAP Center in San Jose today. I really liked "La Luna" and "Nessun Dorma" (though Nessun Dorma is written for a tenor - not a soprano voice). I also wanted "Scarborough Fair," the "Phantom of the Opera," and "Time to Say Goodbye." The guest tenor, Erkan Aki , had a voice and was the show's highlight. Th…

Today, we had our lunch at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville, CA. Bouchon Bistro and Bakery is run by the legendary chef Thomas Keller (owner of French Laundry , the only  3 -Michelin-s tar  restaurant in the area). Inna ordered the French Onion Soup  (which was delicious), and I ordered the Carrot and Squash Soup . My  Carrot and Squash  soup was exceptional, too. My Carrot and Squash Soup  both looked and …

Today, we enjoyed exploring the beautiful Benziger Winery in Sonoma, CA. Benziger was the site where I first proposed to Inna - 12 years ago on May 5, 2001. The winery has not changed much; it still looks well cared for and well-groomed. Fall colors are everywhere, with many trees changing colors. We saw many waterlilies and frogs in the ponds surrou…