Get Lost in Lotusland's Beauty

This is a place like no other.  And, I am pretty certain that was what

Polish opera singer and socialite, Madame Ganna Walska, had in

mind when she purchased the 37-acre estate in 1941.  She then spent

the next forty years amassing her extraordinary collection of over

3,000 plants from all over the world.  When she passed away in 1984,

she left her entire estate to the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation.

Lotusland is located near Santa Barbara and is named after 

the sacred Indian lotus which grows in one of the ponds

on the property.  For over forty years, Madame Walska used

all of her talents, connections and money to form this unusual

collection of rare plants into a fantasy world botanical garden.

Today, visitors can tour the grounds with advance reservations.

It will take nearly two hours with a guided tour to explore

the many gardens and learn of the vast species of plants

that make up Lotusland but you will feel like you have been

transported to another part of the world.  You will definitely

  be lost in amazement when you visit this place.

I cannot even begin to describe what I saw, so I will just

let the photos do my talking...

For more information go to www.lotusland.org

TRAVEL M GIRL

Warming Up in Quebec City in January

Some may say I am crazy to travel to Quebec City this time of year.

After all, most people try to escape the freezing cold and snow.  Many 

are flocking to the islands of the Caribbean or Mexico to thaw out from

the cold of January.  However, even in the chill of winter, I find Old Quebec

 one of the most beautiful and charming cities in North America.  Where else

can you go in North America and feel like you have arrived at a beautiful

and quaint city in Europe?  After all, it is the only walled city North of

  Mexico, it was established in 1608 and the official language there is French.  

All that beauty and history without the jet lag of flying across the 

Atlantic Ocean!  That is enough to warm up anyone....

Quebec is a great walking city.  At every turn there are

quaint shops and incredible dining options.

The iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is one of 

the enduring symbols of Quebec City.  It is ideally 

located in the heart of Old Quebec with breathtaking 

views of the St. Lawrence River.  It has recently

undergone a major multimillion renovation that 

further marks its claim as one of the world's best hotels.

You can take the funicular from nearly straight out the door

of Le Chateau Frontenac to other charming areas of

  Quebec...Or you may want to explore Old Quebec on foot while

 getting a little exercise on those hilly cobblestone streets.

Carnaval de Quebec is a winter carnival that is held 

each year from the end of January for two weeks.

This year Carnaval is scheduled from January 30 to

February 15.  It began in 1894 as a way to celebrate

then end of cold January days and harsh economic

times that were hard on the spirits of the people who 

lived in Quebec.  It has snowballed into the world's

largest winter carnival which showcases winter sports

and local activities as well as snow sculpturing.

I loved staying at Le Chateau Frontenac but there are other

 great hotel options as well.  I would recommend the following:

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Auberge Saint-Antoine

Hotel Dominion 1912

Hotel 71

Dining options are endless!  However, I would say these are my favorite:

Laurie Raphael (combines French, Canadian and Asian nouvelle cooking)

J.A. Moisan (the lodes grocery store in North America)

Epicerie Europeenne (great selection of local cheeses and olive oil)

Le Saint-Amour (foie gras is served six different ways)

Panache (set in a converted old warehouse with massive wood beams)

Cafe Chez Nous (a popular coffee shop)

Le Saint Amour (set within 2 foot stoned walls serving local wild game)

Initiale (like having a luxe dinner in Paris)

Cafe Du Monde (popular brasserie for brunch)

WISHING YOU WARM HEARTS 

TRAVEL M GIRL