I have no favorite hotels in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Oceania, South America and North America.  I guess the term favorite for me is one I look forward to someday again returning.  There are many worthy hotels: Chais Monnet  in Cognac, France.  I don't ever want to land in Paris again, so coming back would be difficult.   Read my posting of 8July2025 .  Our tour of Remi Martin was truly memorable.   This special wine tour was in 2019 , where one stop was dropping by  Chateau Lafite Rothschild for their prized Bordeaux .  Did you know that every bottle of cognac comes from this town, and nearby region?  Same for champagne, which is produced only in the region of Champagne, France. Another one is the  Marriott Marquis on Times Square, New York City .  However, I'm not coming back here because it is too expensive.  Actually, Google AI says the typical cost is around $350/night, which is very reasonable for a pro...

This unexpectedly joyful event is detailed at the end of this posting today.  I begin with yesterday leaving Singapore on Thai Air to Bangkok. The Thai meal was fine.  The garlic-buttered bread was outstanding.  With Singha Beer and Glenlivet Scotch. Watched  Golda  about her leadership during the Yom Kippur War of 1973.   Rotten Tomatoes  reviewers gave it a 52 score, but audiences bestowed 91.  I agree with the latter.  Helen Mirren was incredible as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir.  She looked more like Golda than Golda herself.  Liev Schreiber had the role of U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and there was no resemblance. She was 70 years old when the Yom Kippur War started.  She was a chain-smoker who was undergoing secret treatments for lymphoma.  So was not only challenged by the near defeat of Israel, but was herself suffering.  She eventually resigned in 1974 and passed away at the age of 80. Mo...