Kinglobjaw's Blog

Archive for July, 2009

Folks, I’ll be very frank. I am really ill and leaving to the emergency room within a matter of minutes. I’m battling 40C (104F) temps, severe sinusitis, pink eye and other flu like symptoms each in a very severe stage. I hate complaining about this and moaning on my blog, but I know something’s not right. After all, my Dad did ask me a few days ago if I was going to die by week’s end.

That said, I don’t want any sympathetic comments or emails- just hang out for a week or two and my I will post my trip report. I promise!

Oh and one more thing. I’m a religious person who’s not shy about public display of religion. Whatever your faith, say or pray for me? I will return the favor. I already try to, every night. Thanks.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Upon checking my blog and emails, I’ve gotten some comments and emails while I’ve been away. Some nice, some spam and some nasty! I’ll sift through all of it once I get back.

I’m currently in Mauritius, having arrived from Cape Town a few nights ago. Today was a very busy day- visit to Casela park and riding through a “Safari” on a Quad! My hands are still a bit startled from all the bumpy terrain, but it has been a fantastic experience. Check out this pic, I was way up high on that thing!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

I’m enjoying the last 30 minutes of my transit throught Europe in the Zurich Swiss First/ HON lounge and have to say that the last two days have been busy, but very exciting! From riding the U4 to downtown Frankfurt, to a visit to the Lufthansa First Class lounge to a limousine ride around the tarmac to a mechanical problem gone good. All this and more should be posted around August 1, 2009 on my blog, so stay tuned. I’ve been taking a LOT of photos here and there, and everywhere!

At the same time, I’ll add a cliff hanger. I can, without a pause, mention a couple of ways US Airways Envoy Class is superior to certain experiences of Lufthansa First Class. I’m not saying Lufthansa is poor, it most certainly isn’t, but return to the blog on or after August 1, 2009 and you’ll hear more.

That said, I’m off to Cape Town (via Jo’ Burg) on Swiss and South African Airways.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Lufthansa flight LH451 will be boarding in under two hours. From Frankfurt, I will continue onto South Africa. I’m excited to add a new continent to the “been there” list.

Wanted to wish you all safe travels and a fun summer filled with new experiences, lots of upgrades/ premium awards and great flights!

I’m excited, but laid back and I’ve been enjoying a Pineapple Mojito at the pool. The mint adds quite a kick! I’m waving one final goodbye:

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

So I’m sitting in the Star Alliance Lounge in at the Los Angeles International Airport and thinking about my favorite Phoenix trip past-time. I have to tell you, one of the reasons I decided to go to Phoenix before the Africa trip was to check-out the recently renovated JW Marriott Camelback Inn. The Camelback Inn renovation introduced Arizona to a fantastic Steakhouse whose locations usually dominate the East Coast. The steakhouse, you ask? BLT.

By no means, will this be a professionally written restaurant review, but I’m hoping that my very positive experience could possibly serve as a reccomendation for a pleasant steakhouse dining experience. I’ll be blunt, you have most likely never been to such a unique steakhouse.

Basically, the dining experience is not only about enjoying a delicious piece of meat, but it’s all about customizing and trying new things. Along with your cut of meat, you have the option of selecting many  steak sauces and enjoying every single piece of meat with a different sauce. I have to say, it was very fancy and I enjoyed comparing the many options. I didn’t order the steak, barbeque or mustard sauces since I’ familiar with those, but I tried chimichura (brazillian w/ olive oil), peppercorn, bouilabaisse. red wine sauce and blue cheese. The red wine sauce was my favorite! Alongside the 12 oz. piece of well done filet mignon, it was a match made in heaven.

Side dishes are shared, which reminded me of an Asian restaurant. I really enjoyed that option since I could try many more sides and regulate the amount of each that I ate. Since my excersize and healthy eating “regime” I bestowed upon myself, I opted for veggie sides: glazed carrots, grilled asparagus, creamy spinach. I also tried mashed potatoes and and potatoes au gratin with gruyere, which my parents ordered. All great sides. One interesting bit- they also serve a side dish of cactus fries. And that’s no nickname! Those are actual fries made from a cactus. I’m assuming this is only a specialty served in Scottsdale.

Unfortunately, no room for dessert after this meal, but I’m sure one can look forward to something creative and unique.

Visit BLT Restaurants online.

Here’s me dining with my folks at BLT. Notice how full our table is!

I normally don’t write restaurant reviews, but I still hope this helps.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Currently staying at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn until Monday, before I leave for my Africa journey. In the hollywood world, one could say- this is a pre-party prior to the main event.

I’m on a $90 AAA rate which is a fantastic deal, even better than at the IC Montelucia.

We got upgraded to a room w/ a double balcony (one is actually so big’, it’s a patio/terrace).

One quirk was a resort fee which was unexplained during the booking process. A few weeks later, Marriott finally published what was included in the $25-per-night resort fee:

RATE PROGRAM FACTS **

Daily resort fee includes the following amenities ($150 value)

*High speed internet and wireless internet in guest rooms

*Unlimited local and domestic long distance calls

*Use of the resort’s recreational amenities including

-Unlimited range balls for driving range, chipping, putting

-Use of Callaway golf clubs while on the driving range

-Use of Callaway golf shoes while on the driving range

-50pct off Callaway golf club rental when buying round of golf

-$25 rounds of golf including greens fees, club and cart rental

(space available basis)

-Shuttle service from resort to golf course

-Use of 5 lighted tennis courts

-Complimentary two hour bicycle rental (upon availability)

*Complimentary breakfast, lunch or dinner for children 12 or

under with each adult ordering off the regular menu

*One complimentary dinner appetizer daily with purchase of equal

or greater value, per room, in either BLT Steak, Rita’s Kitchen

or R-Bar

*15pct off retail purchases in resort, spa and golf pro shops

Since I have my own  aircard for internet and a cell phone, I knew, I wouldn’t use the internet or calling. As for the other “offerings”, I knew point blank I would definitely NOT be using them. I just came for a little rest & relaxation and I was upset that aside from the room rate, it would cost me $25 extra per night to do that.

I was surprised how easily and without protest the front desk staff removed the resort fee and thanked me for returning to the property! Here I was, preparing a speech and a print out of how next-door brand-new competitor IC Montelucia waived resort fees, when it was a simple as asking the staff to have it removed!

A final comment! I have to say, the property looks great after the renovation! I’m heading to BLT Steak for dinner tonight- menu looks delicious. No dessert however, hehe! My only wish is for a second, larger pool.

Happy 4th of July!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark