New York City seemingly has it all—–bright lights, world-class attractions, and luxury accommodations. But if you have ever strolled around the Big Apple for an extended amount of time you might have noticed something major was missing—public toilets.
A Spanish advertising company is coming to the rescue of every tourist and resident of the booming metropolis who has undoubtedly noticed this missing convenience and has had to adjust accordingly.
The landmarks toilets—–20 to be exact—will be installed throughout the city over a five-year period. The first of the self-washing, wheelchair-accessible toilets is expected to open sometime this month in Madison Square Park. It will cost users 25 cents for 15 minutes of… ah… relief before the toilet doors automatically open and a 60-second automatic cleaning cycle begins after each use. (This is New York City—you didn’t think the toilets would be free, did you?)
According to the company installing the toilets, each of the city’s boroughs will have one commode, though exactly where each will be placed has not been determined.
BBQ U
If you love barbeque and enjoy spending time in the state of Colorado, then I have the perfect travel program for you.
For years The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia has hosted an extremely popular program called “BBQ University.” It’s run by cookbook author, TV personality and grillmeister Steven Raichlen, and the waitlist to get in is about a mile long. But, now, a rare opportunity to attend the class is being made available to BBQ fans who don’t mind traveling to Colorado. In 2008, “BBQ University” sessions are moving to The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs. Classes are being offered from June 1-7.
If you are not familiar with the program (it’s been featured on The Food Network, Oprah, and the “Today” show) it starts with a “meat and greet” barbecue reception, continues with hands-on classes in grilling and lunches featuring dishes learned in class. After each session, you can take advantage of the hotel’s other amenities including golf courses, tennis courts and health spas. Packages start at $2,400 per person.
HOLIDAYS AT THE HILTON
This is a follow up to my previous blog detailing the holiday happenings at the Big Island of Hawaii’s Hilton Waikoloa resort.
I forgot to mention that during the month of December the hotel is also offering a sushi class as part of its special holiday activities.
“Holidays with Chopsticks” aims to teach guests how to buy fresh fish and cut and prepare it properly. Students will also learn how to create a variety of sushi rolls, sushi on rice (nigiri), spicy sushi, and how to display and serve it. And the best part—-everyone enrolled in the program gets to enjoy lunch featuring the food prepared in class. The cost is $53 per person.