Poppies in Flanders Fields

Visiting Ieper is a moving experience and no matter how many times I get back to the city that once was the center of a fierce battle I cannot help but wonder why?  Of course there is the logical explanation: the semi-circle surrounding the city, defended at all costs, the lack of any other option for the German army.  Yet, it seems that today, like 100 years ago the strategic reasons fail to convince. What needs no convincing however is the sincerity and historical accuracy in which museums, monuments and cemeteries are telling the story of what happened in Flanders Fields.  From the new Flanders Fields Museum in Ieper to the restored and expanded Passchendaele Museum, great pain is taken to tell a story with the help of the latest technology.

In Flanders Field Cemetery

The cemeteries are well maintained and the superintendent are caretakers that have profound connection with the land in which so many of their landsman found an eternal resting place. Is there hope that the history of the Great War will not be forgotten? Will future generations come to Flanders Fields when the events surrounding the centenary are over? What does this somber anniversary mean for today’s citizen of Belgium? Do the Maori with their long living oral tradition have a better chance of remembering Zonnebeke and Passchendaele? Only time will tell.

Floating Gardens at Epcot

I am enchanted with Disney and all things magical for that matter and there is no plausible explanation for it, so I am not even trying.  However, I discovered during my recents trips to the Kingdom of the Mouse, that they each had three things in common: magic, surprise and a new discovery.

From running the 5K race and being surprised at what I can do to discovering a Whole New World at the New Fantasyland, I was wondering what the next visit would bring. Soon it was time to board the plane to Orlando once more and I was off on an incredible journey that transported me to the magical Land of Oz at Epcot’s International Flower Festival. It was great to take time to smell the flowers and enjoy a more relaxed pace when visiting. I stayed 2 nights at The Villas of Grand Cypress and two nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. Both resorts have immaculate landscaping and offer a perfect reprise from a busy day at the theme parks.

My favorite: The Lady and The Tramp

The fact that I visited just around St. Patrick’s Day bought yet another unexpected element of surprise.  This time it was Raglan Road at Downtown Disney that captured my attention.  Fabulous talent visited during the first Mighty St, Patrick’s Day Festival and the culinary discovery of Chef Dundon’s kitchen at Raglan Road was a special treat. I can’t wait to return to Raglan Road for a lovely meal and hopefully a 2014 edition of the festival.

At Epcot ‘s International Flower & Garden Festival my eyes had a feast: flowers and topiaries everywhere. I literally made the round of each and everyone of the displays three times. Two cameras and an iPhone where my weapon of choice to capture all this beauty.  I wondered how I possibly could convey what I saw through some of the articles I wrote. I hope I did them justice.  What really got me excited was the garden workshops and the realization that I could – with lots of patiences and the help of a green thumb – bring some of this beauty home.  So right now there is a tiny little topiary growing in a Queens apartment and three offsprings of plumeria are ready and willing – under my care – to produce flowers that I hope to turn into a lei.

Fireworks over Mater

At night the floral displays were illuminated and I was smitten by The Beauty and The Beast who where dancing in the moonlight near the France pavilion. I wish Disney would increase the twinkling at night for the 2014 edition of the festival. The festival is going strong through May 19 and I think I will be back for some more Flower Power before it is all over.  In the evening one of my greatest pleasures was to watch Illumuniations: Reflections of Earth, an all year round sound and music show ending in splendid fireworks. This time however I did not claim one of the favorite viewing points but I remembered that from the illuminated Radiator Springs Garden I would get one more fabulous picture: fireworks going off over Mater.

So what is next?  In May I will be back for more magic, more flowers, more surprises and more discovery as I join thousands of fans to a galaxy far far away: Star War Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The weekends run May 17 – June 9, 2013.

38 days after signing up for running the 5K at Disney World I was ready to go. Once more the weather threatened to ground me as storms were announced for my departure day, and I decided last minute to leave one day earlier, and I am glad I did.  On February 21^st I arrived in Orlando, the weather a perfect 85 degrees. I checked into Disney’s Pop Century and went for a 3-mile run around the Hourglass Lake. I was surprised at how easy I adapted to the temperature change. Yes, it was hot, but I much preferred running in the heat as opposed to the bitter cold of New York.

The next day I went straight to the Fit for a Princess Expo to sign my waiver and pick up my running bib. The expo held at Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort was a lot of fun and offered great opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. In addition to great shopping, the Expo also features lectures by celebrities such as U.S. Olympian Jeff Galloway and Ali Vincent, the winner of the fifth season of the U.S. reality show The Biggest Loser. Tara Gidus, runDisney’s official nutritionist, and Race Director Jon Hughes were also at hand providing helpful last-minute tips.

I had an early dinner at Splitsville, the sleek new Bowling Alley at Downtown Disney, and went back to my resort to prepare for the big day.  With my clothes laid out and two alarms set for 4:30 a.m., I called it a day.

I did not sleep too well, and I was happy when morning finally came and it was time to board the special bus Disney provides from the resort hotel to the race. As I met up with my friend Laura, the parking lot at Epcot was buzzing with excitement. Before going to our starting corral, I had my picture taken with Mickey and Minnie, and we soon danced along the tunes of a DJ. Disney really goes all out to give all participants a great time even before the race gets under way.

Ready! Set! Go!

The race started at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Epcot, which was not too exciting, but once we entered the park from behind the Mexican Pavilion, it was a thrill ride all the way to the finish. We moved through the World Showcase and Innovations West, past the iconic Spaceship Earth only to exit the park again for the final stretch. The race was a blast with great photo opportunities along the way. Princesses and cast members cheered us on along the way, and I could not believe how fast it was all over. Holding hands, Laura and I crossed the finish line. We did it! It felt great, and all around us there was a celebratory mood as we proceeded to get our medals.

The 5K race is part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend, which benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The race is a celebration of commitment, determination, fantasy and friendship. I am so grateful that I could share this special time with a friend. Laura and I celebrated that day with a lunch at Les Chefs de France, where Remy joined in the fete.

So what is next? Repeat the experience in September with the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run or go for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler?  Or how about taking this challenge to the West Coast for a Dumbo Double Dare? During a media event Disney announced that the company is looking into adding some more races. I would love to see a progression such as a 10K in Orlando, or why not going transatlantic and run in Disneyland Paris? In the meantime I did go to the Magic Kingdom to ask Merida for some running tips of her own. She said that it helped her having a bear in pursuit.

Read the entire article as published February 28th in UndercoverTourist.com

And then came Nemo

Yesterday my information package for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend arrived – and so did Nemo. Seriously? Nemo? Well, I ventured out after the storm and not only did I not find Nemo I was also out of luck finding any suitable jogging track. I had experienced this kind of setback before but this time even my last resource – the Queens Zoo – was closed due to the heavy snow fall. With 2 weeks left to prepare for the 5K I am reduced to walking. While the snowplows are thundering down my street I am picturing myself jogging in the Florida sun. I am trying very hard to ignore that another northeastern could ground me in New York City as it happened to so many passengers this weekend with all three local airports closed and thousands of flights cancelled.

At Queens Zoo – bison along the route

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With the support of thousands of volunteers and participants the weekend will help blood cancer patients. Approximately 400 volunteers help with Packet Pick-Up during Disney’s Fit for Princess Expo, 140 volunteers assist with the Royal Family 5K and runDisney Kids Race, 300 medical volunteers staff the medical stations during the Half Marathon and over 1,100 volunteers staff Start Line, Course Monitor, Food Stop, Water Stop, and Finish Line locations.

5K Race Map

We will be starting the race in the parking lot of Epcot which I admit is not such an exciting first mile, after that we move through the World Showcase and Innovations West, past the iconic Spaceship Earth only to exit the park again for the final stretch. The 5K race is something an entire family can enjoy, an experience friends can share together. It is a celebration of commitment, determination, fantasy, and friendship. I am grateful that my friend Laura Spencer will be sharing this special time with me. She still has not decided what princess she will be but we know that we will celebrate that day with a lunch at Les Chefs de France where I hope Remy will join in the fete.

So what’s next? Tomorrow is another day and I’ll be checking out Central Park. If nothing else I’ll just keep swimming, errr… running!

Central Park after Nemo

Update: Central Park was indeed the place to be for a great workout after Nemo. I entered the park on 59 street, peeked at the zoo, headed to the Bethesda Terrace and went west to the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater. Once on the Recreation Path I headed north all the way till the Lasker Ice Rink. It was fabulous. Kids where frolicking in the snow, and the weather was gorgeous. The Reservoir area must be beautiful in the spring when the cherry trees blossom but for now I was grateful to have this winter wonderland in the middle of the Big Apple.

Jogging in Central Park

What goes up has to come down and so I did, past the East Meadow, the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art back to the Zoo.  The changing scenery made it easier to complete the 6,0273 miles loop. I was amazed at the many joggers and runners out there. Truly inspiring.

Run Liliane Run Part II
Run Liliane Run Part I

Mickey and Goofy in Mardi Gras costume at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

February 12 is Mardi Gras and a mini-parade will wind its way through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Several departments of the resort build floats on golf carts, the floats are judged and then go on a grand tour through both the Riverside and French Quarter sections of the resort. Guests who line up to watch get a chance to catch some of the beads, candy and doubloons being tossed. Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen join the fun in a horse-drawn carriage.

Me as little Dutch Girl – Carnival Eupen

This little-known event brought back childhood memories of carnival parades with colorful floats and fabulous costumes. Raised in the German speaking part of Belgium where Carnival is celebrated like in the Rhineland, the making of a costume was an annual ritual.

Being Jewish I also celebrate Purim, with a different outfit of course and once I moved to the United States I quickly concluded that Halloween required another special attire.

Idan’s 3rd birthday – Peter Pan costume

Over the years I discovered Cosplay and Renaissance Fairs, themed costume parties and White Parties. I even attended the Star Wars Convention dressed up like Princess Leia. When my son was born I had the perfect excuse to create costumes for him and his little friends.  Watching movies such as The Beauty & the Beast, Peter Pan or The Lion King inspired me and lead to the creation of an entire costume chest. The costumes came in handy for holidays, play dates and birthday parties.

Through my work on the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids I got to admire the costumes and props Disney produces for the parks, movies and Broadway shows.  At times I dream to be left overnight inside the costume making department at Disney Hollywood Studios. I am working on how to achieve that by taking the Backlot Tour as often as I can.

Idan and Laura

My son who is now all grown up shares my love for costumes and together with his girlfriend Laura – a professional costume designer – still dresses up for Halloween and special events. Laura, a graduate from New York’s Fashion Institute is extremely talented and I can’t wait to enlist her help and clad my future grandchildren in costumes for every occasion. I am confident that the family tradition of making costumes is secured.

I have no Mardi Gras plans and Purim this year falls on the same day I am running the 5K in Epcot. So what is next? Halloween of course!

Running at PS 144

The Disney Royal Family 5K event is four weeks away and things were going smoothly until last night. And while jogging every day is not my favorite thing to do it became a habit and slowly but surely I started looking forward to my daily workout.  At first I alternated walking and jogging in the streets of my neighborhood. However I quickly realized that hoping for a green light every time I came to the end of the block was not realistic and after scouting several schools in Forest Hills I discovered the running track of P.S.144 where conveniently the terrain is marked: “1 mile = 5, 280 feet = 11 laps.”

Next the European in me needed to convert that into kilometers and soon I was working that track for 33 laps settling for the simplified conversion that 3 miles equals 5 K.  In reality 5K is 3.10686 miles but considering that I have to get to the school and back which in itself is over a mile I knew I had found my training nirvana.

Cold outside

Rain or shine I showed up at the track at 6.30 AM every morning and in the evening I concentrated on creating the Merida costume. I love shopping in the fashion district and had a ball picking out the trimmings that would turn the simple forest green ballet outfit into a dress fit for a princess.  A wig was found in far away China and running with the wig will be the endeavor for the coming week. Thankfully it is still dark at 6.30 AM and I am considering doing that trial run at 6 AM so that I’ll be back before the the sun rises.

Merida in the Making

On the weekend I allow myself a later start and I was looking forward to daylight and most of all warmer jogging conditions.  I was not a happy camper when the snow started falling last night and the temperature at the gas station display gave a meager 4F but nothing could have prepared me for the obvious.

Locked Out

When I reached the school I found myself locked out and of course the track was nowhere to be seen as it was covered in an immaculate layer of snow.  What had I been thinking? The custodian was cleaning the sidewalk but was not dreaming of clearing the track.

Unwilling to give up I thought of a place that might be cleared of the snow and low and behold I found one. The walkways winding through Woodhaven Cemetery where cleared of the white stuff and it was a beautiful, peaceful 3 miles speed walk.

At Woodhaven Cemetery

Tomorrow I will give the Flushing Meadow Park a try, the former site of the World’s Fair should have plenty of cleared walkways. The weatherman promised higher temperatures and the cold spell seems to come to an end. Looking at current temperatures in Orlando I am wondering how I could possibly be prepared for doing all this in 80F.

Run Liliane Run Part I

Inauguration 2013

As a new Permanent Resident it was important to me to follow the inaugural events this weekend. After listening to the president’s speech I could not help but remember Lincoln the movie that I just saw. I was impressed by the brilliant speech the President gave. And while I understand that he, like every President before him, will work towards leaving a legacy, I was thrilled that he chose the Declaration of Independence as a base for his remarks.  I felt as if I had asked someone much more eloquent than myself to say what is on my mind.  “We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal, is the star that guides us still.” And when he affirmed that we cannot walk alone, that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth it was easy to join the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir into their Glory Hallelujah!

Vice President Biden and Ms. Sutomayor

A President that can say thank you is impressive. Thank you so often is something we do not say enough in today’s world. Thank you for the daily bread, thank you for the love of family and friends, thank you for witnessing an incredible time in history.  A President that values a unique partnership called “friendship” which is the root of all enduring relationships does win more than my approval he deserves what it all comes down to RESPECT.

I was inspired to see Ms. Sotomayor swearing in Joe Biden and exhilarated when Mrs. Biden was announced as Dr. Biden. We have come a long way. A women is recognized due to her achievements and not because she is the wife of a public figure. We have a president who believes in equality for all. A President who knows that our journey is not complete until women can earn a living equal to their efforts, that our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. And yes our journey is not complete until all our children know that they are cared for and safe from harm.

President Lincoln

When my son was little I always loved reading the stories of “Honest Abe “to him and till today there is a bust of the 16^th President in his room. Lincoln and Obama both share a common story, a remarkable story of rising from humble beginnings to achieving the highest office in the land. Lincoln reminds us that our country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever we shall grow weary of the existing government, we can exercise our constitutional right to amend it, or exercise our revolutionary right to overthrow it.

Lincoln felt that in the end, it’s not the years of our life that count but the life we lead in our years.  So often we are divided in the name of a deity and again it is Lincoln who gives me hope when he stated, “ My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

Inauguration 2009

Four years ago I was blessed to be in Washington, DC for the inaugural of President Barack Obama. It was a cold day and yet nothing could have got me away from my spot on the balcony of the United States Treasury. I loved every moment of it and till today hold on to my security clearance pass. I will never forget that day when courage, imagination and not fear gave us the 44^th President of the United States of America.

I watched the official swearing in yesterday and the President taking the public oath today. As I am putting my thoughts together the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue just ended and the parties are starting. And while CNN’s Wolf Blitzer is concerned with the fashion statement of the First Lady (it really is like his co-anchor says “she is prettier than the President”) I say well done Thom Browne from Allentown Pennsylvania.

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” – Abraham Lincoln.

Disney Princess Royal Family 5K run

Tada! This is what it read on my flight confirmation from JetBlue and I could not help but smile and wonder if in some magical way they knew I needed a little Tada! for encouragement.  I just had booked my next flight to Orlando which friends and family would not consider anything out of the ordinary, as it is the home of my beloved Mouse and my favorite Princess. Let’s analyze the word Tada!, which is traditionally seen as an exclamation when something is finished but being of Germanic origin I want to point out that it can also mean “here it is”, or “look at this craziness!” Another approach would be using it as a jovial interjection in making an announcement.  I settle for the Germanic approach.

Every year people put running a marathon at the top of the list when it comes to New Year’s resolutions and while running a Half Marathon is out of the question – for now – I decided to participate in the Disney Princess Royal Family 5K race on February 23^rd at Epcot. Those who know me will be relieved to know that I am not doing this alone but that a friend, Laura Spencer, will run with me.  Unlike me Laura has run a marathon before and I count on her expertise to make this my Tada! event.  In exchange four her counseling I bring the craziness to our partnership and I managed to convince her to do the 5K dressed in a Disney costume.

So, except for getting into shape during the next 39 days, yes 39 days according to “My Disney Experience”, there will be lots of planning to do. Number one on the planning list is “what will we wear?” While the reasonable albeit boring answer would be a jogging outfit the real dilemma is to decide which costume to wear. Laura is still recovering from my craziness and has yet to decide on her costume. She is a fashionista and I am not worried. My favorite Disney Princess is Merida, the Scottish Princess with a love for archery from the movie Brave.  With five dresses, plus a cloak, as well as torn dresses, Merida has a total of 22 different costumes and five different hairstyles. Does anybody understand my problem? My next 39 days are certainly going to be busy.

Merida is a strong-willed, redheaded heroine, skilled at archery, an agile horse rider and full of personality. I am not redheaded and no heroine, nor am I very skilled at archery and horse riding but I sure am full of personality.  What I like most about Merida is the fact that she takes her fate in her own hands.  One of the most memorable of her lines is “If you had the chance to change your fate, would ya?” and the answer is really simple – no.

Lincoln Film Poster

I just I spent one of the most enjoyable 150 minutes inside a movie theater in a long time. Spielberg’s Lincoln surpassed my expectations. No sugar coating, no romanticizing of the beloved national icon and sugar coating I was expecting from director Steven Spielberg.

Daniel Day-Lewis is the perfect Lincoln but the biggest achievement is a movie mostly based on dialogue. And what a dialogue it was! Tony Kushner’s screenplay puts the English language at its best. Lincoln speaks with simple words, yet he is eloquent and at times even witty. During his lifetime the media ridiculed the President for his humble origins.  The New York Herald described him as “a fourth-rate lecturer who cannot speak good grammar.”  If there ever was a doubt about the brilliant mind behind the author of the Gettysburg Address, Spielberg certainly helped to set that record straight.

Lincoln received twelve Oscar and seven Golden Globe nominations quite an achievement. The film ends beautifully and shows Lincoln giving his second inaugural address.  A speech that has not lost relevance as nearly 150 years after his death we all could take it to heart once more.

“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds.”

I left the theater with a newly found appreciation not only for the 16^th President of the United States, his leadership and wisdom but also with a renewed understanding of the Gettysburg Address.

Rain is a common occurrence in Orlando, especially during the summer months. Don’t be deterred there is actually lots to do and visiting the parks, albeit a little wet, gets much easier. As soon as it starts raining, many people will exit the parks, leaving them a lot emptier for you to enjoy. Take advantage of the exodus. Besides, with masses of people departing it will be hard to get on the busses or the tram to the parking lot!  This is the moment to take out your rain poncho and head for the rides, which have much shorter queues.

Behind the Seeds Tour – Epcot

In the parks go for the indoor attractions and shows such as The Lion King and The Beauty and the Beast shows, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tower of Terror, The Hall of Presidents, O Canada, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, The Haunted Mansion, or Finding Nemo – The Musical, just to name a few. One of my favorite things to do is to take the Behind the Seeds Tour at the Land Pavilion at Epcot. At $18 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-9 it is one of the more affordable tours offered at Walt Disney World.  It lasts about an hour and you get to go through the greenhouses and labs and see the techniques Disney uses to grow their plants. Kids will love the experience as they get to participate in activities along the way. Keep in mind that some outdoor attractions such as Test Track and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for safety reasons during a rainstorm.

Disney Grand Floridian Lobby

The Magic Kingdom is connected to three fabulous Disney properties by Monorail. Go and explore the Contemporary Resort where the Monorail actually drives through the hotel. You may want to see if Chef Mickey has availability and enjoy a character meal. If it is late in the day don’t assume that the fireworks are canceled. If you want to play it safe, stay at the Contemporary and view the fireworks from their rain protected viewing area.  Head to the Polynesian Resort and explore this great hotel. The lobby alone is worth a visit where a cast member makes leis and is always willing to share stories and knowledge.  If you are ready for a drink, the Tambu Lounge on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House is my all time favorite. You can sit at the bar or in the adjoining lounge where there are enough electrical outlets to recharge your phone!  The Grand Floridian is just a skip and a monorail stop away. This elegant Victorian resort is said to be modeled after the Del Coronado Hotel in California and will take your breath away. Think palm trees and a grand piano providing live music and an open-cage elevator transporting guests to the second floor shops and restaurants. The Grand Floridian is also home to 1900 Park Fare a restaurant where the Supercalifragilistic Character Breakfast takes place. Guests enjoy a buffet breakfast in the presence of Mary Poppins, Alice in in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Eeyore, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh. At dinner the restaurant hosts Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. And while everybody rejoices to meet the princess and her beau it is Lady Tremaine and her evil daughters who steel the show.

Character dinner at 1900 Park Fare

So what else is there to do? There is of course always the shopping but you will not be the only one who has this grand idea. The newly opened Splitsville bowling alley in Downtown Disney boosts 30 lanes, offers two kitchens including a sushi bar, billiard tables and live entertainment. And wouldn’t it be a great day at the movies? The Downtown Disney AMC has a wide array of latest flicks for you to enjoy and there is always DisneyQuest where games galore.

Woop-Dee-Doo Show

In the mood for a show? The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a popular family-style dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground might just be right for you. Contact 407/WDW-DINE to make reservations. Prior to your show and weather permitting take the boat over to Ft. Wilderness Lodge and explore this turn-of-the-century National Park lodge inspired property.

Last but not least, just relax at the hotel, play a board game, watch TV and rest. Tomorrow will be another day at the parks.