Fat Belly Traveler

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In every great city throughout the world there is usually at least one place (a shop, service or experience) that stands out above the rest. It is most often a place that is soulful and unique amongst a backdrop of the predictable. A place that transports you to another time and place. A place that offers the type of experience that will charm you into pondering why everyone doesn't still do business in this way.
Hove' Parfumeur in New Orleans, Louisiana is just such a place.

Established in 1931 by Mrs. Alvin Hovey-King after the depression, turning a much loved hobby and passion into a business, she created fragrances reminiscent of Southern life and luxury. Fragrances such as Magnolia, Vetiver, Spanish Moss, and the renowned favorite Tea Olive (also known as Sweet Olive) these highly seductive blends will toy with your modern day values as they beckon you to a slower, more feminine way of life.

From the moment you walk down the charming French Quarter street, passed by horse drawn buggies as you enter the one-of-a-kind shop, it is an unforgettable step back in time. The cherry wood cabinets, the glass bottles filled with golden and amber liquids, the vintage graphics, the Fourth Generation service and of course the intoxicating aromas themselves.

It is a place that will seep into your skin, your memory, your soul. A romantic place that will ease your frenzied spirit and enchant everyone around you each time you dab a drop of Old World perfume on the nape of your neck.Visit Hove' Parfumeur in person or online. Allow yourself to be enchanted!
Hove' Parfumeur

824 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

504-525-7827

www.hoveparfumeur.com

Labels: French Quarter, New Orleans, perfume

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Laos is an unlikely desitination for most American travelers. But the intrepid Fat Belly Traveler is always interested in someplace new and especially if it is off the beaten path!

While on a longer trip in South East Asia we had planned sometime in the old royal capitol, Laung Prabang. This picturesque city situated where two rivers come together is not to be missed. We will feature the monks at dawn there in another segment.

We traveled by minivan and passed through a village, stopping at the local school and getting an idea of the rural poverty of the Laotian uplands. Hard scrabble agriculture, bamboo crafts and some woodwork are the only income earners.

The pastorial simplicity of life and the natural beauty of a waterfall over limestone cliff bring a breath of the sublime to our outing.

Labels: asia, laos, travel, waterfall

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If you love being in nature and feeling as if you're standing on the edge of the earth, or if you like toying with the idea that you are the only "human" on this earth and want to go somewhere that this feels like a reality, than Point Reyes National Seashore is the place for you.

Point Reyes National Seashore is a 70,000 acre park preserve located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, CA. It juts out 10 miles into the Pacific Ocean and is host to over 45% of North American avian species and nearly 18% of California's plant species.

It provides breathtaking and sweeping views of the California coastline in all it's "undeveloped" glory, and provides sanctuary to twenty-three threatened and endangered species.

Pt. Reyes is infamous for whale watching as the California Gray Whale makes it's annual migration from Alaska down to Baja California, Mexico, where they breed and bare their calfs, and back again. Watch this video closely and you will see a whale or two. We had a "lucky" day and spotted 8 whales at the time we were there in early April.

Other frequently spotted marine life include harbor seals, sea lions and elephant seals whom have chosen Pt. Reyes National Seashore as their own breeding grounds.

Enjoy a day communing with nature or take in an ecological field seminar, and take in the beauty, sights and sounds of this magical natural wonderland.

Labels: Marin, Northern California, Point Reyes

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The number of canals in Amsterdam has led the city to be know as the "Venice of the North." A canal tour is fun and relaxing and gives you a feel of the Old World culture. There are many ways to enjoy the waterways of Amsterdam from a ferry ride that stops at major tourist attractions to renting your own "houseboat apartment." Either way you go, boating around Amsterdam is a wonderful and romantic way to see the city.

Amsterdam was founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel. It is now the largest city in the country and has one of the largest historic city centers in Europe.

During the 17th century canals ("grachten") were dug around the old city and still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today. Many mansions, houses and warehouse were built along these canals as Amsterdam was the most important European Port City during the historic period know as the "Golden Age."

Amsterdam is known for so many things that all of them stand out. From the flowers to the street art, famous museums to the "red-light district," canals to the "coffee shops", it's a city that is always sure to please.

Labels: Amsterdam, Holland