Agree With Johnny Jet

I love reading Johnny Jet’s site, we usually end up at some of the same spots and I love to get his take on spots. I was glad to see that we had similar takes on quite a few travel topics. I have got to agree with Johnny that Jet Airways might just be my new favorite airline, the flat biz seat and pajamas mixed with fantastic Indian food scored big.

We also both loved the Düsseldorf Airport and the convenient Maritim Düsseldorf Hotel; I don’t think I’ve ever had a better hotel and airport match. We both loved Brussels but who wouldn’t. My favorite tourism board is France’s and that is due to the amazing opportunities they have given me. Johnny recently sent an email offering to meet me on an upcoming layover in LAX on my way to Oz. I would have loved catching up with him but I still got to catch up on some of the Jetster’s tracks, next time Johnny.

Dusseldorf Airport

Leaving Dusseldorf and Rolling to Hamburg

I am up early and writing this as the sun also rises. I am leaving Dusseldorf today, a city that has been really great to explore. From centuries past to the modern skyline of today, Dusseldorf really has a lot to offer and I am actually looking forward to my return in a few days.

I will hit the rails today and head to Hamburg, from all accounts another thriving city with plenty to do. It was in Hamburg at the Star Club where the Beatles cut their teeth playing clubs. Rolling on!

Neanderthal in Germany

Just in case you want to know what a marathon of travel can do to you check out the top picture. We went to a fantastic museum this morning near Dusseldorf that is the Neanderthal Museum. It was in this gorge that in 1829 miners found bones of our ancestors. It was a fascinating place to go way back in time, before jet lag and politics took a toll.

A Perfect Dusseldorf Afternoon

After a morning of exploring the Aldstadt of Düsseldorf we meet as a group to see some of the surrounding countryside. The first stop is the Scholoss (castle) of Benrath a magnificent palace with stunning grounds. It is however the waffle with ice cream and cherry topping that catches all of our attention. The Schlosscafe is located and set amidst gardens and the moat. Swans cruise by and the bright sun warms up a perfect afternoon.

Next up is the small and picture perfect town of Kaisersworth on the Rhine River. It is glow time and we strolled through the town and down a country road to a beer garden. A few rounds of sparkling white wine on the banks of the river loosens tongues and laughter. Soon we head to the porch for a dinner of local dishes. Next thing we know it is 11 P.M. and sleep is on our agenda, a perfect Düsseldorf day is done.

Eating in Dusseldorf, Under Frank Gehry Buildings

How cool can life be when you are eating at a table of the Meerbar right underneath some Gehry designed buildings and the Rhine River rolls next to you. The Meerbar was filled with the,” Beautiful People”, of Düsseldorf. Food and wine fantastic and you are with the guy who runs the airport. My wine glass was never empty and the food super, yet it is the vibe that Düsseldorf has that is special. The sunny day turned into a night that had a warm breeze and the crack (conversation) was great. As our table of LA and NYC writers grew smaller the core group held on to our coveted spot and the waiter catered to our every want. This takes me back to the old days, when you feasted and dinner was an event. I even had a great surprise when one of the LA writers was a past travel mate. Between the super airport arrival with limo and private immigration in VIP lounge and this dinner, I got to feel like one lucky dude. To top it off the morning is on my own, a chance to seek out just what I want to, pinch me travel gods!

VIP Entry to Dusseldorf

When we arrived at the Dusseldorf Airport we were met at the gate and taken down to waiting BMW, 2 of them and taken to the VIP entry lounge. While sipping on coffee and sweets our passports were stamped and our bags picked up and delivered. Our Hotel the Maritim is sleek and near the airport with service into the heart of the city. My room on the executive floor is perfect for a home base. Sauna then hitting the streets, I never nap on a first day arrival. Go with the time zone you are on!