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Boston

 It's my first trip alone with my dad and although he has a sales convention during the day, i am gladly left by myself to explore what this new city has to offer. The sun was shining brightly through the hotel curtains onto my skin, feeling the heat of the day awakening me. I slip out of bed with the eagerness to start my day- collecting guide books and city maps.
My first stop was the Boston pier. As I walked up the shore i felt the breeze of the day gliding on my face, the scent of seafood cooking in the vast terraces of restaurants, and an extreme mix of aged building and a young dynamic crowd. I sat at one of the closest terraces to the edge of the boardwalk while i indulged in Boston's finest Samuel adams beer, admiring the wealth of summer colors as people passed by me, and examining the new excitment for the cities new summer transportation- the bixie bikes ( which proudly is familiar to me). I admired the smoothness of the water slightly splashing on the contours of the shore, there was a silence on the shore of a well-respected playing ground, made for everyone to respectfully enjoy. Until i heard the sounds of Jazzy music coming from afar- there was a float anchored on the edges of the dock, floating beside yachts bigger than a three story single home, 9 musicians playing a beautiful cover of 'Everyday i got the blues' from
Non other than legendary B.B king. The crowd danced in excitement for the talents before them.
I grabbed a bike and raced alongside the water- the smell of freshness and bright summer flowers following me. I passed outdoor gym parks, the well established Havard and MIT, and finally one of the most amazing part- Fenway park, the amazing stadium home to Red Sox. The stadium was so perfectly kept, yet the smell exuberated something quite different.

California, the Golden State. Los Angeles.

After my trip to San Francisco ended, I decided to drive along highway 101 to visit Los Angeles. During this road trip, I experienced unforgettable scenic views of the pacific coast.When I finally arrived in the city of Angels, thefirst thing I noticed was the famousHollywood sign and the tall picturesque palm trees.The palm treescreated a luxurious and exotic ambiance. In addition, I felt that Los Angeles was such a lively city with its entertainment industry.On Hollywood Boulevard, I visited the Kodaktheatre, the Chinese theater and the famous walk of fame remembering Hollywood’spast. Those buildings reflected the colors of Hollywood and its degeneratedhistory. After, I experienced amazing sights at Beverley Hills taking a look at all the high-end designer stores and fancy cars.Walking through this glamorous area made me recall a scene from the Pretty Woman movie when Julie Roberts enters a store on Rodeo Drive. On the next day, I discovered thesounds,sights and energy of Universal Studios in Hollywood. During the studiotour, I assisted at stunt car demonstration featuring specials effects that occurred during the fast and furious movie.The sound of the explosion and the big crashes is accompanied by a hip hop song that enhanced my experience. The studio tour was really an exciting andentertaining experience. The studio tour was my favorite part as I remained entertained during the whole ride. I just felt like a kid again.

What did you like the most about Los Angeles?

Sarah Aissa

Chicago, my kind of town!

As my summer journey through Greece came to an end and the fall semester was kicking-in, I found myself sitting in class daydreaming about my next adventure: a weekend in Chicago!

As the airplane landed at the O’Hare airport in Chicago, the busiest airport in North America, the beautiful skyline amazed me. I was anxious to walk down Michigan Avenue also known as the Magnificent Mile, one of the most beautiful avenues in North America, filled with tall buildings and chic boutiques. The unique and impressive architecture is the first thing that captured my attention as soon as I entered downtown. As I was strolling the streets of Chicago, hearing the sound of the wind coming from lake Michigan, I found myself standing in front of the tallest building in North American; the Willis Tower formerly known as the Sears Tower. I was overwhelmed and felt minute. The canals running through the metropolitan complemented the natural beauty of the city. As I started to get hungry I picked a warm slice of Chicago style pizza and it definitely lived up to its reputation! Just when I thought city couldn’t get anymore pleasant, I witnessed the beautiful beaches that rejuvenated the entire city.  

As the sun was setting, I took a walk down Rush street were I heard jazz music in the air. There were countless Jazz bars dispersed throughout the street creating a relaxed and clam atmosphere.  

Chicago known as “the second city” but for me it always come first!

If you want to explore your senses without having to leave the city visit 1101 Laurier, it will definitely allow you to feel emotions and sensations that I felt throughout my journeys!
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Paris: capital of love !

Paris, the capital of love, its monuments and its mythical romantic places: The tone is set !

In the heart of Paris, there is one of the most charming café linking Culture and Romance. Nestled in height, between the Champs de Mars and the Trocadéro, le café de l'Homme offers one of the most exceptional view of the Eiffel Tower. The monument that is the envy of the world and also one of the most visited !

What is better than going to drink with your boyfriend, a hot chocolate during the winter ! This class and gourmet café offers a piano-violin music throughout your tasting.

At midnight, it is the moment of grace, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles with a thousands lights ! Its white color, give to this area, an air of paradise for a few minutes.

Have you already visited Paris ? if yes, what place did you find the most beautiful and romantic ?

The flavors of Mediterranean country.

When I arrive in Israël, I feel transported in the tales of Arabian night. But what I like most is Tel Aviv, this cosmopolitan city both European and Eastern. I like to walk through the souk Carmel, let me bewitch by the smell of red, orange and yellow spices, enjoy a fresh fruit juice and negotiate jewels and gadgets hoping to find the gem. The cries of merchants become an intense background noise for the pleasure of tourists looking for folklore.

After this passage, I like going to the beach, lounged on a couch as I fell asleep in the sun, and the then be awakened around 6 PM with a light breeze, you know that moment when the beach begins to be deserted and let us enjoy a quiet and pleasant landscape punctuated by the sound of waves.

After a quick shower, I like sitting in a grill restaurant on the beach. Have you ever tasted a Mediterranean meal ? It is very beautiful and it is everything I love ! Full of generosity ! You know these meals begins with a "kemia" wich is a large choice of salads with enticing smells and colors.

Tell me if you ever experienced a meal in a beautiful and peaceful place !

California, the Golden State. San Francisco part 2

I wake up this morning on this beautifulsunny day in San Francisco with the air being so clear. I decide to take a busand stop at Presidio to visit the iconic landmark of the Golden Gate Bridgewith Caroline. The view I see of the bridge from the San Francisco side isreally breathtaking. I now understand why this bridge is the most photographedbridge of the whole world. I feel excitement and take snapshots of the stunningview.’’ We are here’’ I said to my friend. I take the sidewalk and whilewalking through it I felt completely at peace. The bridge offers an overview ofthe skyline of the city of San Francisco on one side and on the Pacific Oceanfrom the other side. I can also see from the bridge the Alcatraz jail, theAngel Island and sailboats riding along the light blue sea bay. As I stop andadmire the sight, I feel the wind running through my air and hear the sound ofthe smoothing stream of the water which is very relaxing. The orange red colorof the bridge contrast with the blue color of the sky and blends it perfectlywith its surrounding waters and architecture. The colorful landmark of the GoldenGate Bridge makes me feel energized. At night, the orangey bridge illuminatesso it remains visible for ships to see. I walk across the bridge to the northend and arrive in Sausalito. I feel suddenly warmer and then turn back and takea photograph of the bridge from its best view.

In which city haveyou experienced the most breathtaking sight?

Sarah Aissa

California, the Golden State. San Francisco part 1

I am now in San Francisco and the firstthing I notice in the city is the unique architecture of the colorful houses thatI find so beautiful. The scenery is agreeable I feel lively and what is odd isthat I don’t even feel like I’m in the US but in Europe. The rainbow colors ofthe Victorian houses invites you to embody its softness. In addition, theinnovative architecture emphasizes the city’s openness. After viewing thisgorgeous landscape, I take a cable car and join my friend Caroline at theGhirardelli square where we share a delicious hot signature chocolate. Next tothe fountain soda, there was a machine showing how this famous chocolate wasbeing made, we were on heaven. Next, we head to Fisherman’s wharf and walkthrough the long coastal row of sea food restaurants and souvenir shops as weexplore the picturesque view of the bay. In fisherman’s wharf, I found theatmosphere to be very comfortable and relaxing and the smell of the freshseafood elevated my senses at an even higher level. We then decided to stop andwatch the sea lions bark on the docks and take pictures as we find them amusing.Just sitting watching them making all this noise is a great experience thatmakes you smile and laugh. We then enjoyed the scenic views of the ocean as wewatched the sailboats riding on the light blue sea bay. ’’This place is so romantic’’I keep repeating to my friend. After this pictorial stop, we take a ferry tovisit the Alcatraz jail which was very informative. The ferry ride is pleasant youget to feel the wind in your hair and enjoy the landscape of the bay. When youvisit Alcatraz, you are given a headset so you can visit the jail at your ownpace and hear the voices of the inmates and the guards on their life back then.We ended our journey at a Japanese restaurant in Union Square feelingcompletely delighted by our fives senses.

Which city thatyou have visited do you find to be the most charming or romantic? Share yourexperiences!!

Sarah Aissa

First thing I thing I noticed getting off the plane in Cuba was the dryness of the air. It was almost an asphyxiating feeling, combined with the heat it was definitely a feeling I had never known before. Once we arrived at our hotel I felt a sense of relief as the ocean breeze cooled me down. It was a beautiful place, filled with art and culture I had only seen on television. I took a long time to find my villa as the hotel was a lot bigger than I had imagined. After settling in, I took a long walk on the beach, I could not believe me eyes. The ocean was so immense. The taste of salt water in the air and the sand blowing in my face was a clear reminder I was far away from home. I ended up at one of the restaurants the hotel had to offer. The smell is what attracted me to it, it smelt like my Latina guardians’ cooking from when I was a child. However the taste did not do it justice. The chicken was dry and tasteless, even after adding a ton of salt and pepper to try and salvage it. The pasta was atrocious; overcooked and chewy. The sauce was bland; no amount of spices could make it better. I found I was forcing myself to eat the rest of meal, simply to keep from fainting under the hot Cuban sun.  I then decided to have a drink at the bar near the beach. The music was loud, overwhelming- definitely not a place to have a conversation but rather a place to be ‘taken away’ in. Everyone was in a good mood, ready to let loose. The later it got, the more people showed up and the more the room started to smell like a cave filled with all mixes of alcohol. After a few hours of dancing I ended up back at the beach, I decided to go for a late night swim, the water felt hotter than it had in the daytime, the salt-water felt like lotion to my sunburnt body, and the noise of the collision between the shore and the waves of water gave me complete tranquility.. As I went to bed that night, I thought to myself, despite some bad food that I had encountered, I could not wait to see what the next 6 days had to offer. Although not all senses were satisfied at once, the excitement to explore more was a craving only a new day can offer. 

Mykonos Bougainvillea

After experiencing the incredible Santorini sunset, my journey though Greece continued to the island of Mykonos where my senses continued to heighten.

As I was walking on the quaint narrow cobblestone streets of Mykonos, I was intrigued with the overflow of eye-catching bougainvilleas. Most of them were pink, however, there were some bright orange and firing red ones as well.  These flowers added color to every corner of the streets; it was beautiful! The flowers were growing from all floras; from vines to bushes to trees. My favorite was the bougainvilleas growing on vines wrapped around the blue balconies of the little white houses. It was simply picturesque!

As I continued strolling through the alleys of the island, hearing the chirping of birds as they drink the sweet nectar of the bougainvillea, I remember leaning towards the flowers and smelling subtle sweetness. To this day, whenever that aroma enters my senses, my mind is brought back to the remarkable time spent in Mykonos.

As I was getting tired, I took refuge from the sun under the vines. Not only are these flowers scenic, they also provide shade during the blistering heat. For instance, many outdoor cafés are clad in bougainvilleas where people can enjoy an espresso in the middle of the afternoon without having the sun beaming directly on them. Not to mention, being surrounded by the flowers creates a sense of intimacy and calmness, which is the epitome of the island.

Have you had any experiences where your senses were greatly elevated?

Visit 1101 Laurier to further explore your senses
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A place that looks like you.

Today for the first time, I experience the American Dream: New York here I go !

It is 6:00 AM and New York is already awake, the sound of horns resonates troughout the city. I try to sneak up and catch a yellow cab in the crowd of busy people jostling. I decide to head to Central Park. The first awakened people doing their morning jog while I sit in the grass still wet with the morning dew. I am amazed, how can we be seated in the chore of green fields and gaze at the same time the architecture of building larger and more impressive as other ?

Just after the night fell, I go to the famous Times Square: Whoa, it is so huge, I feel both very small in the center of these colorful posters, the sounds of ads and smells of smoke from hot dog merchants and big of this new and great experience.

Times Square is one my favorite places because it looks like me, it certainly lacks sleep like me, but it is generous and open to the world. I like the fact that it exposes each forms of art: Music and Dance through musicals, Theatre and Cinema throug colorful and large posters, and finally painting and photography with wandered merchants who compete !

And you, have you ever visited a place that looks like you ?

Thailand

Wow! This is my first time in Thailand. And this is a complete culture shock- yet an amazing one. There is a swarm of people heading in every single direction. I feel minuscule in this place- and yet so noticeable with my blonde hair. I walk through the golden city of Bangkok and I am mesmerized by the constant movement yet tranquility that this place invites. I see orange robed monks kneeling in silence for prayer, exercising their mental peace while school kids running, shouting in excitement pass right by. The air, the scent, weather- its all extremely unfamiliar. The air is humid and bears a weight on every breathe. The weather can irrationally change within a couple of seconds- from heavy rains and a scent of freshness to a heavy burning sun beaming intensely on your bare skin. Luckily we had been pre-warned and traveled with a pink and yellow polka dot umbrella as the rain began to fall, we hurried to get our umbrella above us, and when i looked up i was amazed at how everyone else was also prepared with vibrant colors now  hovering above peoples heads. This does not however limit the dedicated street merchants to continue with their sales pitches to the tourists- selling fakes and gimmicks alike. I have never witness such restless work. The thing that makes traveling so exciting to me is making the comparisons between all the senses around the world!

So Fun, Ocho Rios

I will never forget my experience in Jamaica. As soon as you step foot in the village of Ocho Rios, you immediately see hundreds of locals, that seem as though they all love life. The smiles and the laughs make you immediately fall in love with the city. No matter where you are in the town, there seems to always be beautiful reggae music playing in the background, as though you are in a perfect scene out of a fabulous movie. When we arrived at the beach, I experienced something I have never experienced before. A group of about fifty locals, children to adults, who all seemed to be together as a group, started chanting all the way to the ocean. The words they were chanting were of a famous Bob Marley song. The group had such a strong presence, I felt their energy flow through me. When stopping for lunch, on the beach, I tasted something I have never tasted before: jerk chicken. This chicken, a specialty made in Jamaica, was the tastiest meal I have ever eaten. The spices overwhelm you, but in the best way possible. That meal completed the most amazing day of my life. I will never forget my perfect trip to Jamaica. This experience was not like any other beach vacation, it was an experience of a lifetime. Visiting Jamaica makes you realize life is beautiful, and we should all enjoy it, because we only life once!

Our five senses allow is to experience so much more than just a city. Has anybody else experienced something similar to this?

Visit 1101 Laurier to further explore your senses
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Busy Busy Tokyo

It was 7:00 a.m. in the morning at the Shinjuku subway station. The busiest station in Tokyo, Japan, where the subway, the overground trains, and the bullet trains all meet. The vision of seeing thousands on people, right in front of your eyes, racing around, as if it was noon in North America, is so fascinating. The amount of energy that is felt so early in the morning is unimaginable. I will never forget the sounds while waiting for the trains. The most beautiful birds, chirping so loudly and peacefully. The sound of them tends to make you forget about the people around you, and fills your body with peace. Although extremely busy, Tokyo is one of the cleanest cities I have ever visited. It was the first time I have ever taken in a breath and smelled cleanliness. In my opinion, this is something every individual must experience to understand. The sounds, sights and smells make you feel empowered.

Our five senses allow is to experience so much more than just a city. If anybody has comments or would like to share their own experiences, I would love to hear them!

Visit 1101 Laurier to further explore your senses
http://1101laurier.com/

The Santorini Sunset

As I sat at an outdoor café overlooking one of the most famous sunsets in the world, I felt a moment of bliss. I could see the sun sinking into the ocean. The light shades of blue and orange in the sky evoked serenity and calmness; I had suddenly forgotten everything else that was on my mind. 

During this surreal experience, the scent of the Mediterranean ocean breeze consumed me and the voices of young couples walking through the narrow streets reminded me of old Hollywood romance films. Every so often, I remember quenching my thirst with a sip of an iced Greek coffee and ultimately associating this taste with the summer of 2011. As the sea was continuously hitting the bottom of the mountain and the sunset was coming to an end I took a minute to appreciate the world around me.

Experiencing the natural beauty of the island was incredible and on the evening of July 23^rd when the sun was setting, my senses allowed me to paint my perfect picture of peace.

Visit 1101 Laurier to further explore your senses
http://1101laurier.com/

Cayman Islands - Perfection

As soon as the cruise ship stopped in the Cayman Islands, I knew right then and there, it would be my favorite beach vacation. The first sense I experienced was the sounds of the calm yet noticeable waves. As soon as you take your first breath, the salt in the air immediately consumes you in every way. As soon as you walk onto the beautiful white sand, you immediately forget about all your concerns in life. The blue water, as clear as can be, and what felt to be the perfect temperature, welcomes you as you walk towards it. I remember as soon as I sat in the ocean, and stayed still, dozens of small white fish would swim all around me, welcoming me to their home. This was the most peaceful and the most beautiful place I have ever visited.

Our five senses allow is to experience so much more than just a city. Please feel free to share your experiences or anything that comes to mind.

Visit 1101 Laurier to further explore your senses
http://1101laurier.com/