Before Belize Bernadine, that sweet red thing, surprised me with a trip to get pedicures. Don't tell her, but I was not down for this idea at...all. But after going I definitely have no regrets. She took me to a place called Isle Pedi Spa. They have locations near West University, West Ave in upper Kirby, and Memorial on Voss. We went to the newest location in West Ave, very clean and professional. (And expensive!!) this is not a walk ins welcome, neighborhood nail salon. You'll need to call a few days to week in advance if you are picky on times. Bernadine thankfully got us a private room that fits 4 where you can get a mani and pedi at the same time while sitting in your own large cushioned booth. I saw a duck with a manicure once.. Looked like she dipped her wings in paint... So naturally, we just hot pedis. After being offered a hot neck wrap and glass of wine I was starting to get into it. The nail techs brought us menus of our pedi choices; services ranging from a basic pedicure to adding all sorts of paraffin, salts and scrubs. Manis the same, also offering shellac and gel nails.
The staff was very friendly, actually making conversation with you. The services are pricey but you are also paying for great service, very sanitary equipment, pampering, and a job well done.
Where: Isle Pedi Spa
When: Thursday night
Price: pedi $50 (minus tip)
Overall: 5 feathers
I think I'm officially the worst blogger in the history of bloggers. I may also be the only one that has learned to type with webbed feet. It's a bitch.
Another reason for my month hiatus was because I went to Belize with a few peeps! Unfortunately Bernadine wasn't able to join, but in case you were curious, things are going quacktastic. I don't know where to begin or end so I'm going to give it to you fast; If that's possible. I work with a lovely woman who owns an excursion company in San Pedro on Ambergis Caye, an island tourist destination close off Belize City. She helped us decide where to stay and what to do. I was going to do some diving but it ended up being abnormally windy the whole week and too dangerous to dive. So instead we got set up doing some things with Seaduced by Belize, the excursion company. We went on a catamaran to the next island, Caye Caulker, reef fished for hours, went on a Mayan ruin tour (I don't suggest doing this by boat, it took all day), and snorkeled at shark ray alley. Holy hell there's nothin like treading water with a bunch of sharks all around you. I almost flew this tail back to Texas.
We stayed at a fabulous resort, The Grand Caribe, a few miles north of town. They don't really use cars, so if you don't have wings, golf carts or bikes are available to rent.
Food in Belize was good, a lot of seafood and fruit, but I'm biased because Houston has such great eats.
Fave restaurants- Mangos: get the Rita. Blue Water Grill: delicious sushi, suggest a reservation. Ahi Tapas: quaint outdoor next to the beach with Christmas (or anytime) lights strung everywhere.
If you are looking for a nice beach front where you can take a dip or build a sand castle, this isn't the place. If your hotel maintains their beach front, it can be nice but the ocean is covered in sea grass and the sand is essentially crushed sea shells. Belize is a diving, snorkeling, and excursion type of place. Don't get my wrong, you could lay by the pool or next on beach all day if you wanted, I still did my fare share and came back quite rested.
I would definitely go back to Ambergis Caye. The peeps were so friendly, it's safe, and there are plenty of things to keep busy.
Where: Ambergis Caye, Belize
Peak season: November - early May
Flight: 2 hrs direct from Houston to Belize City
Transportation: Tropic Air from Belize City to Ambergis Caye
Overall: 4 feathers
Hey "y'all!" (Still practicing my Texas slang) Sorry to have been ducking down for a month now! I've just been one busy bird with travel and work.. You know how it goes. But I do have some outings and pics from the past few weeks to share.
For all you sports fans, we know Houston has its ups and downs when it comes to winning...especially lately. Being a San Franciscan I obviously have my favorite teams but I like to put pride aside and support our local sports. I was fortunate enough to have some friends who invited me to one of the Houston Rockets playoff games at the Toyota Center downtown. I've been a couple times before earlier in the season but this game, regardless of the loss, was nothing less then great. We had tickets to the Bud Light Party Suite (this is truly the way to go! Unless you have 2nd row... But not all of us can swing that).
Before the game we got there a bit early and went to the pre game area in the park adjacent to the arena. They had beer, a cover band, and fun things for the kids. If you want to kill time and get pumped up, it's free and fun (the beer is not free, sorry). Once inside through crazy lines, my peeps and I sat up at the bar that overlooked the game and directly looked into the great big tv screens decending from the center. This allowed us to all talk and sit around each other, or watch the game comfortably without a head in front of you. Being in a suite we had a fully stocked bar with a very helpful and friendly bartender, Brian. I think the best part of the suites though is having a clean, not over crowded bathroom in the hall. I know it makes the ladies quack!
I wish I could be of more help with parking around Toyota Center but we had a parking pass...another huge perk of knowing someone. No matter where you park around the center it will cost nothing shy of $10 and the closer you get the pricier. The closer you get the longer it takes to get out as well... So if you don't mind, I'd suggest getting there early, parking a little farther away in a lot, and waddling your ol tail up to the game. Remember, no glass or guns please; security is tight!
I'd say whether you are a sports fan or not, the games are a great time with friends, family or even a casual date. They have a lot of entertainment during the game and they really get the crowd pumped up!
What: Houston Rockets game
Where: Toyota Center downtown www.houstontoyotacenter.com
When: playoffs game 2 vs Portland Trail Blazers
Score: POR 112, HOU 105 (wah wah)
Overall: 5 feathers!
