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Chateau Sainte Sabine 1024 768 Mari Bickmore

Chateau Sainte Sabine

Experiencing French Elegance: My Stay at Chateau Sainte Sabine

My travel experiences have taken me to many corners of the globe, but my recent stay at the Chateau Sainte Sabine in France stands out for its unique blend of history, elegance, and natural beauty. This hotel, nestled in the Burgundy countryside, provided a magical retreat that was much more than just a place to rest my head at night.

Setting Foot in a Historical Marvel
As I made my first steps into the Chateau Sainte Sabine, I was immediately struck by its majestic grandeur. The castle, a testament to centuries past dating back to the 16th century, was as awe-inspiring as one could imagine. Its careful restoration has managed to strike a delicate balance, offering modern conveniences while maintaining the castle’s original charm and historical authenticity. The castle exudes an enchanting fairytale-like ambiance that is palpable the moment you step foot inside.

This feeling is further heightened by the stunning grounds that encircle the castle. An immaculate lake reflects the beauty of the chateau, creating a tranquil, serene atmosphere. The grounds are home to a herd of deer, providing a rare sight and creating an experience that is both surreal and soothing.

As I moved through the castle, I could almost feel the stories of the past coming to life, providing an intimate glimpse into the people and events that this castle has witnessed, a journey through time.

A Warm Welcome into French Hospitality
Upon setting foot inside the Chateau Sainte Sabine, I was instantly greeted by the friendly and approachable staff. I had been on the road for about six weeks at this point and it was so welcome to be welcomed. The team at the Chateau Sainte Sabine were helpful and welcoming, with a commitment to offering the utmost comfort to their guests. From the moment I checked in, their attention to detail and commitment to exceptional service was clearly evident. They extended their support and guidance in various ways, including providing recommendations for local sights worth exploring or the best dining options nearby, one of which was Le Lassey, which is onsite and is a Michelin-mentioned restaurant.

A Luxurious Retreat in the Rooms
Each room at Chateau Sainte Sabine is an expression of timeless elegance with an unmistakably French touch. They epitomize luxury and comfort, blending the castle’s historic charm with modern amenities seamlessly. Each room has a distinct design, making it feel like a bespoke living space rather than just a hotel room. These spaces beautifully merged the castle’s grandeur with luxurious comfort, offering a tranquil haven after a day filled with exploration and discovery. Our room had stunning views that stretched out into the horizon, offering a panoramic display of the stunning Burgundy countryside. For me the rooms at Chateau Sainte Sabine were more than just a place to unwind. They were an extension of the castle’s historical charm, offering guests the opportunity to live, if only for a short while, within the pages of a rich, fascinating past.

Exploring The Surrounding Serenity
Staying at the Chateau Sainte Sabine isn’t just about relishing in the luxuries within the castle, it’s about embracing the serenity of the natural beauty that surrounds it. Although the chateau is conveniently close to historic places like Dijon, Beaune, Chateauneuf, and the lovely Pouilly-en-Auxois, the castle grounds were truly a charmer. Taking a leisurely stroll around the pristine lake and sitting in the lawn chairs that dotted the perimeter, watching the deer grazing peacefully, and soaking in the tranquility of the unspoiled landscape created a magical ambiance. You are also in Burgundy, so there are many vineyards around to set up a tasting.

A Gastronomic Journey Through French Cuisine
The culinary experience at Chateau Sainte Sabine’s Le Lassey restaurant was a true celebration of French gastronomy. The menu was focused on local specialties, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary techniques that the region is known for. The ingredients were fresh, many sourced directly from the bountiful Burgundy countryside. The restaurant also offered a superb selection of wines from local vineyards. We’re not drinkers but I noticed that the staff was suggesting pairings to complement the dishes.

Unwinding
One of the highlights was the heated pool. I enjoyed lounging poolside, with the historic castle as my backdrop. I hope to visit in the summer and take advantage of cooling off after a long day of…maybe doing nothing. But I’m a wimp and October was not the month for me to enjoy the pool, even if it was heated. There is a lovely changing/bathroom area by the pool and a kitchen area stocked with beverages, at a cost of course, but so handy to have right there without having to walk back up to the chateau if you feel the need. I could probably do that for days.

Reflecting on a Memorable Stay
As I prepared to bid farewell to the Chateau Sainte Sabine, I was more than a little sad to be saying farewell. This hotel was not just another stop on my travels, but a dive into the timeless elegance that epitomizes French charm. If only I’d had a 1700’s ballgown, the castle stay would have been complete. The Chateau caters to a wide spectrum of guests; whether you’re passionate about history, a gastronome, or simply in search of a unique and enchanting escape, and whether you alone or traveling with friends, the Chateau Sainte Sabine possesses an allure that is sure to captivate you, much like it did me. I would definitely come back for a stay. We were there in the fall, but I would love to see it when the flowers are in bloom and it’s warm enough to dive into the pool! Maybe they’ll invite me back!

Eating my Way Through Vegas 318 159 Mari Bickmore

Eating my Way Through Vegas

“I stay out too late…got nothing in my brain. That’s what people say.” I can’t get that song out of my brain…it’s like I got this music in my mind saying “it’s gonna be alright.” Silly, right? Kind of perfect for Vegas though. Five days and four nights in Sin City! vegas pictureI am pretty sure you can cover the seven deadly sins in Vegas: Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride. Think about it. Sad. But all that does make for some great people watching, if you are into that sort of thing. Just being away from winter weather and waking up every morning and thinking how glorious the perfect blue skies, sun and 75-degree weather must be some kind of sin.

I am definitely a high roller. I set aside $20 for gambling. Since $20 wouldn’t get me far at the Blackjack table with a $10 minimum, I was relegated to the one-armed bandits. I was up at $27 and cashed at at $24.75. I am thinking that gambling is not in my blood. HOWEVER, there is sooo much more in Vegas. The shopping is phenomenal. I have to think that just about any brand you need, crave or want is there. The Forum Shops, the Grand Canal Shoppes, Fashion Show Mall, Town Square, Shoppes at the Palazzo, Miracle Mile, Crystals at City Center, Doges Palace, Desert Passage, and others, not to mention the Premium Outlets. The premium outlets here have a good selection and some high end stores too. The only better one I’ve been to is Camarillo in California. Make sure you bring your walking shoes. If I’m going to “lose” any money in Vegas, it is going to be at one of these shrines to excess (or possibly to a shrine of gluttony). I’m pretty sure my daughter and I walked four or five miles a day in this quest.

Back to the gluttony notation: Vegas has to be one of the best places to eat ever. Many great chefs have restaurants here. There are just a very long list of fabulous places to eat and, admittedly, they are very pricey. You get what you pay for. Four nights in a row I overate, and not in a small way. Yet, I didn’t even think about not doing it. I mean, I knew it would be over quickly. Wagyu beef that you could practically cut with a fork, foie gras, lobster in mashed potatoes, lobster pie, bone marrow (my new favorite appetizer), beef wellington a la Gordon Ramsay, black truffled everything and desserts to die for. We ate at Mastro’s Ocean Club, Sage, Gordon Ramsay’s and Michael Mina. All of them are excellent. The Warm Butter Cake from Mastro’s was hands down my favorite dessert. Someone told me the Havana Dream Pie at Joe’s Stone Crab would make me spit out the butter cake, so I tried it for lunch and they were dead wrong. The dream pie was a tres leches cake, albeit a fantastic tres leches, it was no where near Mastro’s butter cake. Mastro’s bone marrow was the best, but their main course presentation left something to be desired.

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Sage was overall a more than very nice dining experience, but nothing sticks out as the best of anything, although the ambience and food presentation was sensual.  Gordon Ramsay’s Wagyu American Filet was absolutely the best steak we had, although their sides were not. Someone told us to get the Sticky Toffee Pudding, sticky toffee cake ramsayso we did. While it was, indeed, very good, I’m still comparing to the butter cake. It reminded me a bit of a very good figgy pudding. Now for Michael Mina, OMG on the lobster pot pie!….and the foie gras….and the short rib ravioli….omg the butter was the best we had all trip and I always eat bread just so I can have the butter. lobster pie mina 2When I lose the weight from these four days, I will be ready to come back. I usually have to wait a whole year to dine like this again, but my nephew is getting married in Vegas in June. I had better start playing tennis five days a week!

If you’ve been to Vegas you know there are some amazing hotels lining the Strip, and probably some that aren’t on the Strip. Unfortunately, my hubs’ convention was at The Mirage, which isn’t the best hotel on the Strip. Next year we are staying somewhere else and he is taxiing to the show. I have decent list of hotels to choose from that I think are pretty fabulous: The Wynn, Cosmopolitan, Aria, Venetian or the Palazzo, but never again The Mirage. I wish I could tell you about some shows, but we didn’t see any on this trip. Our dining lasted late into the evening and after shopping all day for the girls and working all day for the hubs, we rolled ourselves into bed and crashed.

Let me know your favorite restaurants, shows and  hotels in Vegas so I can use that info next time I go!

Sometimes Rome is More Than You Hoped For (or When in Rome Don’t Necessarily Do As The Romans) 1024 768 Mari Bickmore

Sometimes Rome is More Than You Hoped For (or When in Rome Don’t Necessarily Do As The Romans)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI figured in the vein of my last unfortunate European altercation with the prostitute in Paris, I would share a story from the eternal city, Rome. I often travel with my cousin and a good friend from Houston….of course they’re from Texas! Two short, busty girls…petite….a blonde and a brunette with big personalities and typically with too much whine…I mean wine. On this particular trip, which was a few years ago, we had another friend with us, and it was our last stop on a long sojourn, and long before we had learned to pack light. But that is a another story for another time. This story is about flashers…wankers…in Rome. Segaiolo. It is a story I have verbally shared many times, but I figure I need to write it down for posterity and hopefully for your entertainment.  Again, always have your camera at the ready, because you never know what you are going to miss.  You would think after these photo op misses, I would have learned something when I got to Paris, but, alas, apparently I am a slow learner.

There are amazing things to see in Rome. I remember the first time I was in Rome with my daughter, then 16, and my cousin. You just walk around a corner and there is the Colosseum, like right in the middle of the city. A landmark you have read about and seen in pictures your entire life, just right there in the middle of everything with no one paying much attention. I was awestruck, and continued to be awestruck for days seeing all those ancient buildings and ruins that I had been entranced by my whole life.  Look up sites in Rome and the list goes on forever. From an early age all my reports were about some archeological site. I considered it as an avocation, but a professor in my freshman year steered me clear, and I will forever be in his debt.  In any event, Rome has ancient sites peppered throughout the city, and I do love sitting in a piazza ristorante people watching, with a 2000-year-old fountain splashing within earshot, and eating some really great Italian food.

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Back to the story: The first night on this particular trip, we were just girls out for a stroll around the city and came upon the Largo di Torre Argentina. When Mussolini was working on Rome in the late 1920s, this archaeological wonder was excavated, revealing extensive multi-level temples that lie 20 feet below the present-day street level. Besides several different temples, Torre Argentina also contains part of the famous Theater of Pompey. This is where Julius Caesar was betrayed and killed in 44 BCE. Today, volunteers at Torre Argentina care for approximately 250 cats, some of Rome’s feral cats of which it seems there are around 300,000 total. Every afternoon people gather to watch the cats on the ancient pillars and steps. If you start to really look into the square you notice the furry, wild felines everywhere. If you are so inclined you can admire the cats and their ruins from street level, volunteer, and even adopt cats (you can’t really take them, but they will take your money to care for them–that kind of adoption; kind of like adopting a kid on TV for 26 cents a day), and I love cats.

We arrived there around dusk and did our tour around the perimeter of the square, up and down the stairs, seeing what we could of the ruins and the cats. As we gathered at the corner of the square, seems like we were on something that elevated us steps above the sidewalk, we were looking down the street alongside the square. At about halfway down the block/square there was a guy looking directly back toward us wagging his Italian sausage for all to see (I just had to throw that terminology in – a friend of mine said it was almost obligatory).  Anyway, I thought I couldn’t be seeing correctly…I mean it was, uh, sizeable.  We all just stared at him in abject astonishment…and he just kept at it. Our friend, who was a first-time traveler with us , was appalled.  I think I was just thinking “wow, what a great story.” I don’t even remember if we left first or he turned to wave at someone else. I don’t even remember what else we did that night. Italians…hey whatev.

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So our trip continued, we saw amazing things and ate amazing food and even stayed in an amazing place. We consistently photobombed in the background of many a photo….don’t judge us. A great week, and we ended it spending Sunday traipsing from church to church…I mean there are over 900 churches in Rome. Probably near 100 of them are over 1000 years old, especially if you take into account buildings/temples that were converted to Catholic churches.  What do we have in America that old?  Well, the sequoia, but even the cliff dwellings in New Mexico are not quite that old.  So I am impressed with the splendor that was Rome.  I am not Catholic, but I truly love these old churches.  The Capuchin church and a few other churches have extensive catacombs and tunnels which are creepy and cool all at the same time. The art, the history, the antiquities, the architecture…the churches here have it all. I could spend days going through them, literally.

This particular Sunday,  we had crisscrossed Rome tracking down the churches we had on our list and some we didn’t. Again, it was getting dusk and we were beat. We walked into the foyer of a small corner church, but people were gathering for a meeting and I decided not to go in. One of the B’s lingered a bit longer just inside the doors, and a little old man in there puckered up and leered at her. She quickly scooted out the door, getting our attention but us not understanding what she was mouthing at us thumbing backwards. But with the way she was moving let us know that something had happened. As we were looking toward her, the old guy saunters out just behind her onto the upper step…of the church…another wanker. Seriously! This guy had to be 70 if he was a day…and we ran. Just like silly schoolgirls, ducking into the first large doorway we see and peeking around it to watch. Can you believe we were tittering, giggling, and he was just slowly moving forward bopping the baloney. And, yea, it was impressive, too. And all those people milling around and going to church? Not even acting like they saw him, totally ignoring the fact that there is an old man playing with his genitalia on the church steps. It was like we were the only ones who saw him. Do you think they sell those big things for unemployed Italian men to waggle at tourists to engender some type of Italian tirly-whirly mystique. Wave them at the ladies so they will go home and spread some urban legend of the Italian version of Wun Hung-lo? We will never know for certain, but on that same trip we saw a couple of fully clothed Italians, in full daylight on the sidewalk, playing with their own private amusement park. Wish I had photos. You just never seem to have to time to get the camera out at a time like that, so if this ever happens to you in Rome could you try to find out for me?  I apologize if this story is a bit off-color, but it is a true story, every single word, and it needed to be told.

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Photography Perils In Paris 577 1024 Mari Bickmore

Photography Perils In Paris

Just recently in September, my daughter, son-in-law and I were wandering through the streets of Paris and decided to tour L’Opera.  We became a little lost so we stopped to load directions on Amanda’s phone.  As we stood there, a woman came walking down the sidewalk across the street from us in full dominatrix regalia, carrying an umbrella (remember the umbrella part because it definitely plays into the story).  Now remember this is near high noon, middle of the day, and this “lady” of the evening (now remember it’s the middle of the day) struts down the sidewalk all strapped up in black leather and thigh-high stilettos   She commences to park herself right across the street from us and leans against a railing, in front of a store that I suspect sells what she is wearing among other things.  I can’t help myself…I quickly pull my phone into position to snap a photo, but at the same time I snap a car goes in front of her and soeiffel towerme pedestrians also, so all I get is a blurred picture of a car in motion.   In any event, at that moment she whips around and comes marching toward us, at a pretty good clip I might add.  We are like “uh-oh”  “OMG” and being the naives that we are, just stood there like deer in the headlights until she was upon us talking in loud, non-stop French as I tried to understand something of what she said.  It boiled down to “I am going to call the police if you don’t delete that picture.”  But she couldn’t understand that there was no picture with her in it!  Let me tell you, she was scary in those 6-inch spiked black heels and leather.  She grabbed my phone and was going through it looking for that non-existent picture and she wanted to go through all the way to the end…all 697 pictures worth.  I finally took back my phone from this Asian Amazon and said enough is enough!  Well, as you might guess, that didn’t sit very well with her.  She grabbed my left wrist and jerked me around to face her at the same time breaking one of my favorite necklaces off and into pieces with her other hand. all those pretty pieces tinkling across the sidewalk.  In my whole life I have never been physically restrained in anger!  I was in shock…all I could think to do was try to pry her hand off my wrist and yell “you broke my frickin’ necklace!” over and over while also keeping her from digging those spiked heels into my foot or leg.  My daughter on the other hand, having been raised with three brothers, was attempting to pull her arm off me with her pointy fingernails.  I guess the claws worked because I was released and she backed away.  However, she thought it was me who scratched her and she was not a happy camper, so as I bent down to pick up the remnants of my necklace next thing i know I am being whacked in the face with the umbrella (I told you to remember that weapon) and Miss BDSM waving forearm in my face like I had broken it and shouting French obscenities.    Amanda had apparently scratcher enough to at least get her to unhand me; that’s my girl!.  In any event, that umbrella strike hurt like heck!  Right across my cheekbone on the right.  Then, of course, I’m yelling “You hit me in the face!”….over and over.  Do you think that umbrella turns into a whip?   At that point, my daughter and I were seeing red and moving toward her aggressively still shouting the same thing, but my son-in-law was gently pulling us back, trying to be the voice of reason, and all I could think of was that she hit me and it hurt and this was a Crazy person (with a capital C).  He pulled us into a clothing shop and at first they were like “you can’t stay in here,” but then I showed them where she hit me and they saw who she was, so they very nicely shut the door to keep her out and told her to go away.   I apologize for not having pictures, but we didn’t stick around long to take more.   Try to visualize this scene and wish that it had all been caught on video…which I am sure it was but nobody sent it to me.  The only appeasing factor was that Bradley reminded me that tomorrow we would wake up and still be us and she would wake up and still be a prostitute.  But we never even made it to L’Opera.

All in all, though, I did come out with a little black eye and a great story.  I also got to learn a little self-defense, after the fact, and I now know how to get someone to release my wrist should I ever have an altercation with a prostitute on the streets of Paris, or any other city I guess.  I also learned that no matter how many times you replay what you should have said and done, you can never go back and get a re-do.  Moral of this story:  When you snap a picture, run as fast as you can!  They’re not going to catch you in those heels!  Sorry there are no pictures…so I will just put in a Paris shot.