Carousel

It's Friday! woo! I'm very very happy that it's Friday. It's been a long week for me and frankly Friday is the day to celebrate the release! Carousel is a little bit different today, but I think you'll like it anyway.

You blew your shot with Saint Peter when you blew Peter Saint. But hey, no worries. You can save your soul online at reserveaspotinheaven.com. For less than the cost of a couple of cocktails, you'll get a certificate of reservation, registered in the Book of Light; a first class ticket to paradise (why climb stairs when you can fly?); an official ID card; and the heaven 101 mini informational guide (find out what's really behind those pearly gates). A few more bucks and you'll have VIP access to the Big Guy and a pass that gets you to the Land of Milk and Honey as well as Thug Mansion, where the cool angels hang.

Got enemies? Ensure they burn for all eternity; sign them up for one-way tickets to firey damnation at reserveaspotinhell.com. Sound familiar? well they do to me...oh that's right, we've played this game before; indulgences.

For those of you in DC, I have found the deli shop! It's a great gourmet shop and I stumbled upon it (don't ask me how) the other day. The owner, Steve Gatward came stateside to set up a new shop after selling gourmet meat in the UK and Australia. It gets daily deliveries from regional producers (Amish sausages from Pennsylvania, anyone?). And Gatward is happy to oblige special requests (hungry for ostrich?) with a day's notice, and grind beef to order for burgers. The store also stocks marinades, mustards and sauces along with striped butchers' aprons from England. Go ahead and pair your feast with Napa's best pinot. It's called "Let's Meat on the avenue" 2403 Mount Vernon Avenue, at oxford Avenue, Alexandria (703-684-6328).

I have been craving a vacation, and today I indulged in my fantasy of the perfect Caribbean vacation. There are so many options, but here is one.

Let me tell you, Nicaragua is the New Costa Rica; gorgeous beaches, adventure activities and a killer exchange rate...(I don't necessarily agree wit their politics though). Now you won't find five-star resorts or boutiques, but you will find $10 meals, and $60 beachfront rooms. And if you prize getting there before the crowds while getting away from it all, you've arrived.

So you arrive in Managua and turn around: You'll want to catch the first tiny plane off the mainland. The Corn Islands, off the Atlantic coast, are two of the last bits of unspoiled paradise in the Caribbean.

The culture in Big Corn is more Nicaraguan local than European backpacker. You'll want to zip around in a $1 taxi to waterfront bars and homey restaurants. The islands' most luxurious hotel (king-size beds, infinity pool) is Casa Canada. Relax with a cold Tona (the national beer) and a $10 lobster at Anastasia's on the sea, the only over-water restaurant on the islands.

If the bustle of the Big Corn island is too much, take the 30 minutes roller-coaster boat ride to Little Corn island - and leave civilization behind. Casa Iguana is a neo-hippie resort with beachfront cabanas, board games, and hammocks galore. Kick back on the deck to watch the sunset or join a communal dinner in the no shoes allowed restaurant. Prefer to keep your sandals on? The veranda-fronted rooms at Hotel Los Delfines may look a little dated (dig the mirrored headboard) but they have all the creature comforts right in the heart of downtown (such as one exists).

For an island only one mile square, little corn offers a surprising variety of food.Credit Euro expat hoteliers, like the Italians at bio farm Farm Peace & Love and the French and the Spanish at Ensuenos. The best eatery, Habana Libre (+505-848-5412), Serves authentic Cuban food with the fastest service in the country. Order the slow-roasted pork in advance.

If you tire of the many white beaches (the best are on the north end) go underwater with a snorkeling or scuba trip. Dolphin Dive can help you explore the local reefs and spot giant turtles. Not so aquatic? Hit the dirt dance floor at the Happy Hut reggae club and try the Nicaraguan version of bottle service; coca-cola and a bottle of Flor de Cana rum for about $5.

A bathing suit and a good book aside, you won't need much on the Corn Islands, but bring plenty of cash - there are no ATMs. But with prices so low, you can afford to say an extra day or two.