Ephemeral cooking classes with Alain Ducasse

Bonjour Paris, an excellent free weekly e-news posting about Paris just published a story about several one of a kind and one time only cooking classes at concept shop L'Eclaireur in partnership with Alain Ducasse.  These will surely sell out very quickly.  Here is the link... price is 240 E per class, they are in early April on various dates, and you must call to register.  Attendance is limited.

https://bonjourparis.com/culinary-classes/alain-ducasse-cooking-classes-famed-leclaireur-concept-store/

Trip Advisor Picks Istanbul #2 Destination in the WORLD for 2016

Trip Advisor has released its list of top ten destinations for 2016.  London is #1, Istanbul is #2.  Istanbul's tourism has taken a massive hit from the slow down in tourists from Russia and from the west due to concerns about safety.  While there are never guarantees of safety in our chaotic world, Istanbul is, at present, a city without lines for the major sites and the entire guiding and hospitality industry is more than available to be of help in crafting a magical experience.  Talk with me about guides, activity clusters, foodie walks, cooking classes, shopping and more.

While I would not travel to the southeast and to the cities along the Syrian border now, certainly the Istanbul area, the Aegean coast with its world class archaeological sites, Cappadocia and the Mediterranean coast with its blue cruises and splendid beach towns are all pretty good bets for a terrific vacation in a hospitable country with excellent food to boot!

Watch Turkish Airlines for fare sales.  They offer very competitive rates.  I'm a big fan of their nonstop to Istanbul from Boston.  Just in case you are curious, here are TripAdvisor's top 10.

Top 2016 Travelers' Choice Destinations

1. London

2. Istanbul

3. Marrakech, Morocco

4. Paris

5. Siem Reap, Cambodia

6. Prague, Czech Republic

7. Rome

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

9. New York

10. Ubud, Indonesia