Monday, April 22, 2013

Hotels In Virginia Beach | "Marriott’s Autograph Collection Expands Its Royal Reach Into the UK"


Source    :  http://www.hotelchatter.com
Category  :  Hotels In Virginia Beach
By        : Virginia Beach Ocean Front Hotels
Posted By : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard


The raison d’être of Marriott’s Autograph Collection is to provide not just a place to lay your weary head, but to give you an experience based on different themes like Culinary Delight, Artistic Getaway, Urban Excitement or Sporting Adventure. (For added fun, you can visit their Facebook page and have your autograph analysed to see which theme suits you best. It was shockingly accurate.)
Marriott Expands Its Royalties
Hotels In Virginia Beach

Now they’re bringing that concept to the UK for the first time with the addition of two upscale hotels: Threadneedles in London and The Glasshouse in Edinburgh.

Threadneedles is set in the heart of the Square Mile, the original site of the Roman settlement that started it all. Being in The City, you’re close to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Borough Market and the Tower of London.

The hotel is in a former Victorian bank and blends the traditional with the contemporary. The lobby is dominated by an elaborate stained-glass dome from 1856 and the hotel has a see-and-be-seen restaurant and bar for the business crowd, Bonds. For those of you who have really latched on to the theme idea, you’re looking at Urban Excitement, Culinary Delight, Wedding Celebrations and Historic Explorations at this boutique hotel.

The Glasshouse in central Edinburgh can be found at the foot of Calton Hill and is built into the 150-year-old façade of the Lady Glenorchy church, a short walk from Princes Street and Edinburgh castle. Rooms have great views over the Firth of Forth (which is really fun to say) and Edinburgh New Town, and the majority of the other rooms have views over, and provide access to, a private two-acre rooftop garden. The hotel is currently undergoing a refurb and is due to be done in June. We’ll give you a sneak peek then!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Hotel Reservations Virginia Beach | "Best Beaches For 2013"


Source    :  http://www.huffingtonpost.com
Category  :  Hotel Reservations Virginia Beach
By        : Virginia Beach Ocean Front Hotels
Posted By : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard


Perhaps you have your favorite beach and possibly I have mine, but there are many beaches around us that may interest you. Being in Arizona, we are many miles from the Pacific Ocean, but just a day’s drive gives us a selection of fine California locations.
Hotel Reservations Virginia Beach
Hotel Reservations Virginia Beach

The San Diego area has some 70 miles of wonderful waves and sand. La Jolla Shores is one of the best in Southern California. Coronado’s beaches stretch 1-1/2 miles with fine homes in the background and the famed Coronado Hotel, which is more than 100 years old now. The water along the Pacific is not warm as that in Florida, so you may want a wet suit.

North of San Diego are the fine beaches in Carlsbad and Oceanside and further north in the Los Angeles area is Laguna Beach, one of Orange County’s most fashionable towns, which is also culturally rich.

Newport Beach is for the jet-setter contingent, with fine docking space for the zillion dollar yachts that spend summers there. Here, the trendy surfing set hangs out as well as the sunbathers. All along the coast are affordable motels and hotels as well as high-end spas and resorts.

Hermosa Beach takes pride in its abundance of outdoor beach activities that include surfing and swimming. Bike riding is popular as well as roller skating, jogging and strolling. At night, the Strand is a great people-watching spot.

Catalina Island is located 22 miles off the Southern California coast and you may take water taxis there from Long Beach and Los Angeles harbors. This is a small island with a myriad of outdoor activities in and around the town of Avalon. There is a fine beach facing the town, which is convenient. There are a couple nice restaurants that feature seafood and several bars. You’ll find small motels and a couple hotels for overnight stays. You can see the underwater gardens from a glass-bottom boat, do some deep-sea fishing and go horseback riding along the shoreline and mountain paths.

Bordering Los Angeles is Venice Beach, which attracts all kinds of people. Surfers, preening weightlifters, sand sculptors, an Ocean Front Walk, stores and a flea market and bars and fast-food spots.

Just north of here is Santa Monica where there is never a shortage of seaside fun. You have the Santa Monica pier at the boardwalk, short order restaurants, surfing, and an assortment of stores and bars. A lot of fun can be had in and around Santa Monica. Inland a few miles from here are Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Hollywood. You can see movie stars all over the place if you look hard. The ladies won’t be wearing makeup and the guys usually look 10 to 20 years older than they appear in the movies.

Malibu Beach is another place where your chances are also good to see the movie crowd, although you may not recognize them at first. It’s just north of Santa Monica.

Further north of Los Angeles is Santa Barbara and the beginning of the Central California Coast. There is good swimming from here up to Avila and Pismo Beach and usually good waves for surfing. Be aware, the water is cold!

At the other end of the United States is Florida. Many rave about the fine sands on the beach at Siesta Key, which is central Sarasota’s gateway to the sparkling waters of the Gulf and also boasts fine resorts. You have a large swath of public beach along this 8-mile barrier reef island. Close by are numerous restaurants and pubs, docks for yachts, stores and all kinds of beach fun. You can rent pontoon boats, try parasailing and do some snorkeling.

Clearwater Beach, Fla. is a great beach town with miles of fine, white sand and it is often voted number one in the nation, but so are several others.

Key West in the Florida Keys is a popular vacation spot and the town is most interesting with good lodging. In fact, all over Florida there are wonderful beaches for you to explore. You might rent a car in Orlando, see the fun parks such as Disneyworld and then check out beaches along both the east and west coasts. There are also many interesting communities around the state.

Virginia’s Assateague National Seashore on Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam, is rated 7 in one survey. You may wish to investigate this location.

Mexico has some good beaches. Cancun offers some of the finest in the country. The resort city was created several decades ago to cater to an up-scale clientele from around the world. There is much to do here any time of day or night. The resort hotels are some of the finest anywhere. Good air service from the States to Cancun is also a benefit. An all-inclusive resort may be your best buy.

The highest rated beach this year is on Hawaii’s fine island of Maui. Kaanapali Beach at Lahaina was the number one pick of the experts. Other top Hawaii beaches are: Lanikal Beach; Kailua on Ohau; Wailea Beach, Wailea; and Hanauma Bay near Honolulu, Oahu; Poipu Park Beach, Kauai; Manini’owali Beach, Kailua; Big Island, Wai’anapanapa State Park and Hana, Maui; Hanalei Beach, Kauai. Waikiki Beach at Honolulu is not bad if you can stand the crowds of tourists.

Overseas some of the top-rated spots for sand and sun are: Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy; Brace Bay in the Turks and Caicos; Whitehaven Beach and Airlie Beach, Australia; Bahia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; Blamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico; Playa de las Catedrales, Ribadel, Spain; Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda; Eagle Beach, Aruba; and Rhossili Bay, Swansea, Wales.

I also like the several beaches at St. Johns, Virgin Islands. You will find good beaches all over the Caribbean area and they are there for the picking.

Wherever you go, be sure to take plenty of sun block, dark glasses, bathing suit and hat. They will be necessary on any beach.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Hotels In Virginia Beach | "Lost Sea Lion Pup In San Diego Waddles Back To The Ocean"


Source    :  http://www.huffingtonpost.com
Category  :  Hotels In Virginia Beach
By        : Virginia Beach Ocean Front Hotels
Posted By : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard


A lost sea lion pup in San Diego, Calif., wasn't stranded for long.

After the pup wandered around an Ocean Beach parking lot for an hour, it managed to waddle its way back to the ocean early Wednesday morning -- but not before it was captured on camera. (Watch footage of the pup's return to the sea in the video above.)
Hotels In Virginia Beach
Hotels In Virginia Beach

According to local outlet ABC 10 News, a pedestrian spotted the stranded sea lion around 5 a.m. on the corner of Abbott Street and Newport Avenue and notified a passing police officer. The young animal returned to the beach before animal services could respond.

The adorable episode is one of several recent sea lion sightings in the area.

Earlier this month, another pup hopped into the front seat of a San Diego man's vehicle when the driver, believing the animal was a dog, pulled up next to it and stopped in the middle of traffic. In a March incident, a baby sea lion waddled out of the ocean to find comfort in a La Jolla Hotel patio chair. Both animals were rescued by animal care specialists from SeaWorld.

More than 1,000 malnourished sea lions have been rescued on beaches in southern California this year -- a number that is extremely high, when compared to previous years. However, as NBC Los Angeles reports, some of the marine mammals contributing to this count have become marooned more than once, washing ashore again after being rescued and released back into the wild.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has since declared the high rate of stranded sea lions pups an "unusual mortality event." While scientists are not certain of exactly what is causing so many emaciated sea lions to come ashore, one of the running theories holds that the problem stems from the marine mammal's prey, or lack thereof.

"These sea lions might be our sentinel that tells us something else is going on that's going to be affecting other fish, that's going to be affecting sharks, that could have much broader concerns throughout the ocean," Sarah Wilkin, a marine biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, told NPR.

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Virginia Hotel Suites | "Best Beaches For 2013"


Source    :  http://www.paysonroundup.com
Category  :  Virginia Hotel Suites
By        : Virginia Beach Ocean Front Hotels
Posted By : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard


Perhaps you have your favorite beach and possibly I have mine, but there are many beaches around us that may interest you. Being in Arizona, we are many miles from the Pacific Ocean, but just a day’s drive gives us a selection of fine California locations.
Virginia Hotel Suites
Virginia Hotel Suites

#The San Diego area has some 70 miles of wonderful waves and sand. La Jolla Shores is one of the best in Southern California. Coronado’s beaches stretch 1-1/2 miles with fine homes in the background and the famed Coronado Hotel, which is more than 100 years old now. The water along the Pacific is not warm as that in Florida, so you may want a wet suit.

#North of San Diego are the fine beaches in Carlsbad and Oceanside and further north in the Los Angeles area is Laguna Beach, one of Orange County’s most fashionable towns, which is also culturally rich.

#Newport Beach is for the jet-setter contingent, with fine docking space for the zillion dollar yachts that spend summers there. Here, the trendy surfing set hangs out as well as the sunbathers. All along the coast are affordable motels and hotels as well as high-end spas and resorts.

#Hermosa Beach takes pride in its abundance of outdoor beach activities that include surfing and swimming. Bike riding is popular as well as roller skating, jogging and strolling. At night, the Strand is a great people-watching spot.

#Catalina Island is located 22 miles off the Southern California coast and you may take water taxis there from Long Beach and Los Angeles harbors. This is a small island with a myriad of outdoor activities in and around the town of Avalon. There is a fine beach facing the town, which is convenient. There are a couple nice restaurants that feature seafood and several bars. You’ll find small motels and a couple hotels for overnight stays. You can see the underwater gardens from a glass-bottom boat, do some deep-sea fishing and go horseback riding along the shoreline and mountain paths.

#Bordering Los Angeles is Venice Beach, which attracts all kinds of people. Surfers, preening weightlifters, sand sculptors, an Ocean Front Walk, stores and a flea market and bars and fast-food spots.

#Just north of here is Santa Monica where there is never a shortage of seaside fun. You have the Santa Monica pier at the boardwalk, short order restaurants, surfing, and an assortment of stores and bars. A lot of fun can be had in and around Santa Monica. Inland a few miles from here are Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Hollywood. You can see movie stars all over the place if you look hard. The ladies won’t be wearing makeup and the guys usually look 10 to 20 years older than they appear in the movies.

#Malibu Beach is another place where your chances are also good to see the movie crowd, although you may not recognize them at first. It’s just north of Santa Monica.

#Further north of Los Angeles is Santa Barbara and the beginning of the Central California Coast. There is good swimming from here up to Avila and Pismo Beach and usually good waves for surfing. Be aware, the water is cold!

#At the other end of the United States is Florida. Many rave about the fine sands on the beach at Siesta Key, which is central Sarasota’s gateway to the sparkling waters of the Gulf and also boasts fine resorts. You have a large swath of public beach along this 8-mile barrier reef island. Close by are numerous restaurants and pubs, docks for yachts, stores and all kinds of beach fun. You can rent pontoon boats, try parasailing and do some snorkeling.

#Clearwater Beach, Fla. is a great beach town with miles of fine, white sand and it is often voted number one in the nation, but so are several others.

#Key West in the Florida Keys is a popular vacation spot and the town is most interesting with good lodging. In fact, all over Florida there are wonderful beaches for you to explore. You might rent a car in Orlando, see the fun parks such as Disneyworld and then check out beaches along both the east and west coasts. There are also many interesting communities around the state.

#Virginia’s Assateague National Seashore on Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam, is rated 7 in one survey. You may wish to investigate this location.

#Mexico has some good beaches. Cancun offers some of the finest in the country. The resort city was created several decades ago to cater to an up-scale clientele from around the world. There is much to do here any time of day or night. The resort hotels are some of the finest anywhere. Good air service from the States to Cancun is also a benefit. An all-inclusive resort may be your best buy.

#The highest rated beach this year is on Hawaii’s fine island of Maui. Kaanapali Beach at Lahaina was the number one pick of the experts. Other top Hawaii beaches are: Lanikal Beach; Kailua on Ohau; Wailea Beach, Wailea; and Hanauma Bay near Honolulu, Oahu; Poipu Park Beach, Kauai; Manini’owali Beach, Kailua; Big Island, Wai’anapanapa State Park and Hana, Maui; Hanalei Beach, Kauai. Waikiki Beach at Honolulu is not bad if you can stand the crowds of tourists.

#Overseas some of the top-rated spots for sand and sun are: Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy; Brace Bay in the Turks and Caicos; Whitehaven Beach and Airlie Beach, Australia; Bahia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; Blamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico; Playa de las Catedrales, Ribadel, Spain; Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda; Eagle Beach, Aruba; and Rhossili Bay, Swansea, Wales.

Courtyard Virginia Beach Hotels | "10 romantic getaways in Washington State"


Source    :  http://www.bocamag.com
Category  :  Courtyard Virginia Beach Hotels
By        : Virginia Beach Ocean Front Hotels
Posted By : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard


Couples have a lot of reasons to be attracted to the Evergreen State. From sleek Seattle boutiques to secluded inns on the San Juan Islands, there’s a little something for every romantic in this corner of the Pacific Northwest. Outdoorsy couples will love hiking in the romantic Snoqualmie Valley, in the shadow of one of Washington’s many waterfalls, while city-slickers will fall in love with Seattle’s funky food scene and vibrant nightlife. So if you’re planning a romantic getaway with that special someone to Washington State, be sure to consider these hotels ready for romance.
Courtyard Virginia Beach Hotels
Courtyard Virginia Beach Hotels

1 Outlook Inn, Orcas Island, San Juan Islands

Couples have plenty of reasons to be attracted to the Evergreen State. From hip Seattle boutiques to secluded inns on the San Juan Islands, there's a little something for everyone in this corner of the Pacific Northwest. Check out some of our favorite hotels ready for romance here.

The Outlook Inn is aptly named; the hotel has stunning views of Eastsound from almost anywhere you stand. This property is the only full-service hotel in Eastsound and its romantic ambience, on-site chapel, and excellent food from the New Leaf Cafe make it a popular spot for wedding parties. Units vary greatly, though, as standard rooms have seen better days while suites feature updated private bathrooms with large tubs, luxe details such as fireplaces and flat-screen TVs, and killer views.

2 Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie Valley

The Salish Lodge & Spa features 84 rooms in a gorgeous setting overlooking the falls in Snoqualmie, about a 40-minute drive from Seattle. The historic property, which originally opened with only eight rooms back in 1916, is a popular romantic getaway and wedding destination. The restaurants feature beautiful views, and the elegant spa has numerous signature treatments (including one with homemade honey!). Sexy rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and peek-a-boo bathrooms with two-person tubs. The entire property has a soothing, rustic-luxe style; features such as stone fireplaces, stacked firewood, cashmere throws, bookcases, and warm, earth tones complement the outdoor scenery.

3 Four Seasons Hotel Seattle , Downtown, Seattle

It’s hard to go wrong with this top luxury hotel that has some of the best views in Seattle, not to mention a restaurant with an acclaimed local chef, a rooftop infinity pool, and 147 spacious, classically comfortable rooms. The business-y surroundings might preclude the opulence of larger Four Seasons properties, but what you lose in neighborhood ambiance you gain in vistas and proximity to the best Seattle attractions.

4 Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands

The Lakedale Resort is not your grandfather's campground. In addition to a lakefront location with plenty of spots for picnicing, this 82-acre property offers everything from an airstream trailer to canvas cabins. The lodge rooms definitely have the most conveniences -- bathrooms with Molton Brown toiletries, TVs (albeit tube-style ones), and patios -- but they are also the least outdoorsy. The Canvas Cabins are no-frills -- but in a good way -- sporting charming rustic decor and comfy beds. The property is best suited for couples looking for an upscale camping experience where they can be detached from everything but their significant other. Still, poor cell phone reception may be a nuisance for some.

5 Alexis Hotel, Downtown, Seattle

This upscale boutique hotel, featuring 121 eclectic guestrooms that cater to every possible personality, is about as perfectly located as a downtown hotel can be. Many of Seattle’s most desirable sightseeing destinations are within easy walking distance, as are a vast selection of top-notch restaurants. Note, though, that while the Alexis sits on First Avenue, directly above Puget Sound, it doesn't capitalize on the famous harbor views; if vistas are what you’re looking for, best to head a few blocks north to one of the view-front hotels. Nonetheless, amenities such as a charming bar and a nightly wine hour add to the romantic vibe.

6 Inn at the Market, Downtown, Seattle

Inn at the Market is one of Seattle's best-known, and most popular, hotels, in large part due to its unbeatable location: It's half a block from Pike Place Market, in the heart of downtown Seattle. But the location isn't the only reason to stay; the hotel has a long list of romance-inducing features, including four solid restaurants, a pleasant rooftop deck with stunning panoramic views, free Wi-Fi, and in-room massage services. Rooms are sophisticated and contemporary, if a tad bland for some tastes, and come with upscale conveniences, such as great Hypnos beds (with reading lights attached to the headboards), Sferra linens, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and iPod docks.

7 Hotel 1000, Downtown, Seattle

This upscale hotel is located smack-dab in the heart of Downtown Seattle, within walking distance of major attractions such as the Pike Place Market and the waterfront. It has gorgeous amenities that make it stand apart from most other hotels in the area -- at least as far as romance is concerned -- including a virtual golf system, a full-service spa with a wonderful (and expensive) menu of personalized treatments, and an acclaimed (and locally popular) restaurant on-site. The sexy, glass-enclosed bathrooms with tubs that fill from the ceiling and separate walk-in showers are arguably the highlight of the high-tech and modern (though somewhat dark) rooms.

8 Friday Harbor House, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands

The 23-room Friday Harbor House sits atop a bluff overlooking the marina in the heart of the downtown area. Decor is pretty generic, but rooms are decent-size and come with gas fireplaces, two-person Jacuzzi tubs, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and (in most cases) beautiful views -- great for a romantic getaway. Nice freebies such as Wi-Fi and a good continental breakfast add value, but the location and views mean that prices will often still feel a bit steep for what you get. It is less boutique-y than one might expect of such a small property.

9 Hotel Vintage Park, Downtown, Seattle

It’s hard to go wrong with a Kimpton property, and the Hotel Vintage Park doesn’t disappoint. Hailed for its exceptionally friendly staff that goes out of their way to make guests happy, this luxury boutique hotel delivers an intimacy not found in other, more pretentious venues. Quality vintages (hence, the name) are offered at the free nightly wine hour, but the lobby is a bit small for serious socializing.

10 Bird Rock Hotel, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands

The 15-room Bird Rock Hotel, housed in a historic building, is a quaint, bare-bones bed & breakfast. The small, earth-toned rooms are cozy (low lighting gives them a Zen-like vibe), and there's a lovely deck for enjoying some fresh sea air. The hotel's central location, though, is definitely the highlight -- just a block from the ferry landing, and within walking distance to plenty of shopping and dining in downtown Friday Harbor. The hotel lacks on-site amenities such as parking, a restaurant, fitness center, and pool, but breakfast is free and guests have access to the sister property's parking lot, fitness center, and pool, less than three blocks away.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Virginia Hotel Suites | "Royal DIning in Delray Beach"


Source     :  http://www.bocamag.com
Category  :  Virginia Hotel Suites
By            : Virginia Beach Ocean Front Hotels
Posted By  : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard



The smells of delicious tenderloin steak and three-cheese polenta wafted from the stage of the Crest Theatre at Delray Center for the Arts yesterday afternoon, to join the ripples of laughter already reverberating across the auditorium. Darren McGrady, who spent 15 years cooking in Britain’s royal kitchen as personal chef to Queen Elizabeth and later Princess Diana, spoke for more than an hour to a packed house at the Crest, even while cooking a special meal on hot plates for four local diners who won a raffle to savor the dishes.
Virginia Hotel Suites
Virginia Hotel Suites

McGrady shared hilarious and touching anecdotes from his times in Buckingham and Kensington palaces, and it was a great way to conclude the Crest’s 2012-2013 season. I heard many patrons say that it was the best lecture they’d heard all season. Here are a few of the highlights.

“I was born in Nottinghamshire. Nottinghamshire is in the middle of the country, famous for Robin Hood and Nottingham Castle, which I thought was a huge castle in England until I started working for the Royal Family and went to Windsor Castle. Then I saw a real castle. Nottingham is also home to Stilton cheese – the king of cheese in England. It’s a region-protected dish, meaning it can only be prepared in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. It’s region-protected, just like Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France, that Parma ham can only come from the Parma region of Italy, and that chicken-fried steak can only come from Texas!

“I applied to the Savoy Hotel in London, one of our big five-star hotels. I thought, well, I probably won’t be head chef. I’ll probably be No. 2. I was actually chef No. 70 of 70 chefs. So I spent the next two years in the royal kitchens, working my way through the partie system.

“Buckingham Palace is amazing – 775 rooms. A movie theater. A post office. Even a helicopter pad out the back. It was everything I’d imagined it would be.

“The queen has 20 chefs, and those chefs would travel with Her Majesty all around the world, to the royal residences and on the Royal Britannia. For my first job at Buckingham Palace in the kitchens, the head chef called me in and said, ‘Darren, I need you to help me out. Come and peel some carrots for the queen.’ He said, ‘I’ll show you how to do them!’ Really? He took three carrots and peeled them all. Then he cut them to finger length. Then he patted them down and trimmed them again. Then he put them in a paper sack and folded the creases down. I said, ‘Chef, she likes her carrots, doesn’t she, Her Majesty?’ And he said, ‘Why’d I say they’re for the queen – they’re for the queen’s horse!’

“The banquet rooms are pretty special. My favorite of all is the queen’s ballroom. It seats 156 people for a state banquet. Her Majesty sits in the center of the table, and the visiting king, queen or president sits next to her. When the queen is ready to start the meal, a page stands behind Her Majesty and presses a button. The traffic lights at the four exit doors change from red to green, and the footmen start coming out with the plates. When Her Majesty put down her knife and fork from the first course, that meant the course was over. You’d finished, even if you hadn’t finished!

“We had 6,000 people at diplomatic receptions. All the embassies in London would come and bring their wives and families for this huge reception. Princess Diana didn’t really like the big receptions. She’d get pinned into the corner by someone and couldn’t get away. One time, she came in, and she was carrying a box of mangos. She said, ‘Darren, you remember the diplomatic reception last week? Well, there was a gentleman there I couldn’t get away from, and he said to me, Lady Diana, in my country we have the best mangos in the world. Well, naturally I said to him, I love mangos. He sent me a box of mangos – how kind of him.’ So I took the mangos, and I made sorbets and smoothies and shakes. A week later, another box arrived, and a week later another box came. And then another box, the fourth week. This went on for six weeks. I was putting them in the refrigerator, behind the refrigerator, anywhere I could. On the last week, the princess came into the kitchen with this box of mangos. She dropped them on the table and said, ‘Darren, if ever I see that man again, I’m going to tell him I like diamonds!’

Christmas was always so much fun, working for the royal family. The royal family are German by descent, and they carry on the tradition of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve. I remember being in the kitchens on Christmas Eve and listening to them in the ballroom next door, opening all these presents and laughing and joking. We did this huge buffet in the evening. We were in the kitchen and suddenly we hear ‘Charge!’ William and Harry come racing into the kitchen. They’d got pump-action water guns that Prince Andrew had bought them for Christmas, and they were firing at all the chefs. We got absolutely soaked. I said to my friend Arthur, we’re going to get our own guns and get these boys back.

“We did – we found the only two replica Uzi machine guns in the whole town. In those days, they didn’t have the orange caps on the end – they looked real! Better still, they had batteries, and the water fired 30 feet. We were so excited, like little boys. We raced back to Sandringham ready to start the evening shift. It was cold, dark, miserable, snowing, windy, and we got into chef uniforms and knew we had to get across the parking lot and into Sandringham House before the boys got out of afternoon tea and went up to the nursery for bath and bed. We got halfway across the parking lot, and we heard, ‘Freeze! Armed police!’ Out of nowhere came a policeman with a gun. A real gun. Fortunately, he recognized us. He came over to us and said, ‘What are you doing?’ Before I could say anything, Arthur says, ‘We’re going to shoot William and Harry!’

“The people Diana had over were people that would write in and say, I want to meet Princess Diana and see if she could help with my charity. One day she came into the kitchen and said, ‘Darren, no lunch today, I’m going out.’ I said, ‘Your Royal Highness, I’ve made lunch for you. Where are you going?’ She said, ‘I’m going to see a little boy who’s dying of AIDS.’ That hit me. I said, ‘wow, what can you say? What can you do?’ She said, ‘There’s nothing much I can do and very little I can say, but if just by sitting with him for half an hour, if just by holding his hand, if just by telling him some of my jokes, takes his mind off the pain, then that will have been worth it.’

“She’d do this all the time. She got into trouble for being the first member of the royal family that wouldn’t go on a walkabout wearing gloves. She told the rest of the royals, ‘I need to touch hands. I need to feel the warmth and connect to the person I’m talking to.’ She got into trouble for kneeling down to a little girl to take flowers from her. Prince Charles said, ‘We don’t bow down to our servants.” And Princess Diana said, ‘But you have to go down to a little girl’s level when you talk to her so you can look her in the eye.’ She used to take the boys to homeless shelters and let them see what life was really like, so that they’d grow up and appreciate the luxuries that they had.



Friday, April 12, 2013

Hotels In Virginia Beach | "Join The Mile High Club In A Luxury Private Jet"


Source     :  http://stupiddope.com
Category  :  Hotels In Virginia Beach
By            : Virginia Beach Ocean Front Hotels
Posted By  : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard


Becoming a member of the elite “Mile High Club” is definitely a cool club to get in to. Given the current airline rules and regulations, becoming a member has become a little more difficult. Britain decided to make it a little easy for everyone and put together the first ever luxury mile high club. While the jet isn’t up for keeps, the company promises to give you the space and privacy you need while in the air to become a member of the prestigious Mile High Club.
Hotels In Virginia Beach
Hotels In Virginia Beach

Participants are greeted at the plane with complimentary chocolates, champagne and any song of Barry White they like. There are additional custom requests like silk pillows, soft lighting and an open bar. The plane is designed for a good time and that is exactly what you get at the cost of $7,500. Not sure if this guarantees membership but it is definitely a great way to do things. Nothing says Mile High Club like a 3×5 airplane bathroom, the green occupied light and the risk of getting caught by the nosey flight attendant. That’s the stamp of membership approval. Check out the luxury Mile High Plane below and let us know which membership ritual you prefer…Luxury or airbus?