Update Your Water Pail List, 2023

Posted by golfkat on January 25, 2023
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

Savoteur has this to say:

Traveling and seeing the world is something that you will never forget. Adventures and experiences are some of the best things that money can buy. Traveling can be affordable. You can travel the world much cheaper through travel hacking and using points from travel rewards cards.

As you make your travel bucket list, make sure to put things you would be interested in. May it be adventurous, or to see beaches and cities, make your list your own and enjoy the journey. These 25 travel bucket list ideas are here to help you to create the best list possible.(I will only include those that I have done)

Viva Las Vegas

Probably one of the easiest and closest places to visit.  Vegas offers gambling, shows, shopping, golf, dining, nature, and in my case, dear friends.  When my Mom was alive, we celebrated her birthday every December in Vegas.  How I miss those days.

Santorini, Greece

While it is a couples place, the sunsets, offbeat minerality of the wine, and friendly people make it a unique experience.  How many times can you actually stay on a former volcano with beautiful caldera views?  If you only get to choose one island in Greece, choose Santorini.  The sunsets are simply magnificent.

Paris

After being treated so badly in the 70s France of de Gaulle, I have slowly warmed up to Paris, and mostly the French countryside.  I love Bordeaux, Loire, and Champagne.  I attended my first French Open tennis last May.  I plan to watch the Tour de France one day, and perhaps combine it with the Olympics in 2024.  Oh, and the museums are quite interesting as well.

Grand Canyon

This is probably one place a person can visit a multitude of times, and always be overcome by its majesty.  My suggestion for a first visit is taking the train from Williams to the South Rim.  And make sure you have the burger at the El Tovar, best ever.  Just be careful around the rim, or on the trail down to the bottom.

Boat Ride in Venice

I have just awful memories, a stinky, sewage filled city, with overpriced hotels and food.  At the time, I thought it was the biggest tourist trap in the world.  I vowed never to go back, unless I brought a clothes pin for my nose!  Ask me how you spell gondolier? A$$hole!!  Maybe the Venetian Resort in Vegas is a better option?  Or the klongs of Bangkok, often called the “Venice of the East!”  Definitely the klongs.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Another tourist trap, but a fun tourist trap, with good food, friendly people, great bars, and a beautiful old walled city.  Just too many people in a small area.  Try to find a quiet hotel off the beaten path and plan some excursions (Montenegro) outside of the city.  There are many islands along the Dalmatian coast that are beautiful, with fewer tourists, and nice cycling routes.  And decent wines.

An African Safari

We took several, and most of the safaris are well done, safe, and interesting, with decent food.   Mr. Mike and I took four different ones, through Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, followed by a luxurious two week stay with Barry the V in Cape Town, South Africa.  These trips are expensive, and it is not worth cutting corners out in the wilderness.  

Diving the Great Barrier Reef

The reef is huge, 133,000 square miles, and with over two million visitors per year.  The reef is endangered, so tread carefully, with a reputable outfitter.  We went to the far eastern side of the reef, where there were fewer people, more sea life, and quite remote.  Nearby the Daintree Rainforest is a definite day trip.  The seafood in this area is outstanding and cheap!

The Rocky Mountains

Yes, I miss the days when I skied about a dozen days a year outside of Denver.  But winter or summer, the Rockies are magnificent.  Take the train over the Continental Divide.  I spent many winter days skiing with my Denver based buddies.  And many après ski activities that cannot be retold.

The Acropolis of Athens

Though it is a permanent state of restoration, it is the most iconic place to visit in Greece.  Down below, Plaka is my favorite section of Athens.  The food and people will astound you.  I am headed there for the fourth time, to see my adopted Greek brothers.

Sail in Halong Bay, Vietnam

While I am not a big boat or water person, Halong Bay was a good introduction to a boat cruise (overnight), with beautiful views, pristine karsts, and the bluest waters.  The water is so calm, it does not feel like the ocean.  And the cabins and food were decent!

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

One of my two favorite places in the world (the other is Amazonia).  I have visited three times, and hope for a fourth.  Our friends there now have children, and I look forward to visiting with them again.  The temples are magnificent.  The people in Cambodia are friendly, and love Americans.  The food is very interesting, with a strong French influence, at very affordable prices.

The Roman Colosseum

My visit was so long ago, but all I could think about were the poor Christians being fed to the lions.  The Italians need to do a better job of restoration and limiting access to the ruins.  Can you believe it would hold 80,000 people?

Machu Picchu

Just too many people here in a small area.  The trip to Machu on the train is tedious, the food is just average, and the area is very expensive.  But if you feel you need to go, just go once and be done with it!  I much prefer the National Parks in Utah, and Monument Valley.

They left off too many great places to visit and experience.

So what remains on my Water Pail list?

The Australian Open (I have made it to the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon)

The Orient Express (if I win the lottery)

Traverse Japan from the far north to the far south on the Shinkansen (maybe partly by bicycle?)

Visit remaining Canadian provinces (mostly in the east:  Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island)

Slide on the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia (world’s largest salt flats)

Another Summer Olympic Games, and my first Winter Olympics.

The Tour de France

Not bad, just seven on the Water Pai list remaining.  What about you?

Dining Alone on the Road

Posted by golfkat on January 18, 2023
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

From Dianne de Guzman of SF Gate:

I understand that there can be a weird stigma around eating alone, but that is mostly in one’s head. What dining alone affords you — as I’ve found out over years of being seated solo at tables and bars — is chance. And there’s a lot I mean by that word, “chance.” It could mean an opportunity to meet a person next to you. To linger longer with a bartender and ask questions about the big and small things in drinking (and life). It could also mean just taking a chance to listen, whether that be to your own thoughts or to just bask in the bustle of the city.

From my days of business travel, dining alone never bothered me.  But wearing a suit while dining versus wearing Bermuda shorts and a golf shirt are quite different.  And these days, everyone has their nose stuck in their cell phone anyway.

But the experience can be enlightening from many viewpoints.  First, it is easier to engage the waiter or waitress in conversation.  It seems easier to find out which wines, specials or dinners to choose from.  Second, it is also easier to engage others in conversation.

A couple tips from a seasoned pro.  One, just find a seat at the bar.  This is the simplest solution.  You will also find other “singles” here.  Another tip is to dine at “off hours”, when the restaurant is not busy.  Or, if you are really bold ,just sit down at the table of the most attractive person in the restaurant!!

Getting a “to go” order is really a poor excuse to miss some of the most enjoyable parts of your trip.  My last trip to Munich was a great example.  I was seated on a large table, with what turned out to be two Americans.  We started talking about food and football, the two important “F’s”.  We started buying each other beer and some shots.  Next thing we know, two young German ladies are sitting at the table, buying and drinking shots with us!!!  I ended up staying until closing, even though I went for a quiet, early dinner!

Sometimes, dining alone can serve other purposes.  The time can be used to communicate back home, make future plans, read a book, or take photos.  Or in my case, I try to do all of these things!

But I enjoy trying to establish a relationship with locals, find out what they like to eat, where they hang out, and what they want to know about the U.S.  And more often than not, we have a toast to our new friendship!!!

All That Jazz

Posted by golfkat on January 17, 2023
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Music, Travel. Leave a comment

Funny how the NBA team from Nawlins moved to, of all places, Utah, and kept the nickname, Jazz.  The current NBA team are the Pelicans, not a bad name, but certainly not as colorful as jazz.  But Nawlins is all about jazz.  Check this out from Fodor’s.

New Orleans Pelicans | Smoothie King Center A strange juxtaposition??

No one knows exactly when jazz was born. Some say it is rooted in New Orleans’ Congo Square before the Civil War. Others say it began in 1895 when Buddy Bolden started his first band. Or perhaps it was in 1917 when Nick LaRocca and his Original Dixieland Jazz Band recorded the first jazz record, “Liberty Stable Blues.” Whatever the case, jazz originated among the African-American community in New Orleans, digging into blues and ragtime as its main influences. Today, this improvised, syncopated genre of music remains a mainstay along New Orleans’ festive streets, where you can hear it on corners, in jazz clubs, and nearly everywhere you turn.

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park hosts free performances and educational events in two locations around the French Quarter, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum presents in-depth exhibits about the history and culture of jazz. The absolute must-see is Preservation Hall, the city’s most famous jazz hall, though the Spotted Cat Music Club is always lively. Louisiana Music Factory is an independent record store on Frenchman Street that’s known around the world for its rich inventory of rare records and obscure titles by jazz artists.

Preservation Hall - New Orleans Music Map

I have been to Preservation Hall several times.  It is an only in Nawlins experience.  You must add it to your “water pail” list.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is another fun stop.  It is located in the old U.S. Mint.  

The museum’s collection includes the world-renowned New Orleans Jazz Club Collection, which was gathered over several decades by the New Orleans Jazz Club. The collection includes the world’s largest collection of jazz instruments, prized artifacts, photographs, and ephemera. Examples of artifacts within the collection range from Louis Armstrong‘s first cornet to a 1917 disc of the first jazz recording ever made. It includes the world’s largest collection of instruments owned and played by important figures in jazz- trumpets, cornets, trombones, clarinets and saxophones played by jazz greats such as Bix Beiderbecke, Edward “Kid” Ory, George Lewis, Sidney Bechet, and Dizzy Gillespie. Other artifacts in the collection include some 12,000 photographs from the early days of jazz; recordings in a wide variety of formats, including over 4,000 78 rpm records that date from 1905 to the mid- 1950s, several thousand 12-inch LPs and 45 rpm records, and approximately 1,400 reel-to-reel tapes; posters, paintings and prints; hundreds of examples of sheet music from late 19th-century ragtime to popular songs of the 1940s and 1950s – many of them first editions that became jazz standards; several hundred rolls of film featuring concert and nightclub footage, funerals, parades, and festivals; hundred of pieces of relevant ephemera; and architectural fragments from important jazz venues.

In addition, the collection includes research materials such as letters, photographs, and interviews, which are available to researchers by appointment.

My other musical pursuit here would be finding a gospel brunch.  Any ideas??

A city with its own signature cocktail is bound to be fun. New Orleans actually has several with classics, including the French 75 and Hurricane, invented here. The Sazerac, a potent concoction of sugar, cognac and bitters, served in an absinthe-rinsed glass, is the drink most closely associated with the city.

Totally irrelevant statistic:  Brennan’s uses 35,000 pounds of bananas yearly to make their famous Bananas Foster.

Nawlins is one of my favorite cities, not only in the US, but the world.

Dangerous Nepal Flight

Posted by golfkat on January 16, 2023
Posted in: Action, Travel. Leave a comment

From the AP:

Home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, Nepal has a history of air crashes. According to the Safety Matters Foundation’s data, there have been 42 fatal plane crashes in Nepal since 1946. (Sixty-eight were killed in yesterday’s Yeti Air accident)

The country’s “hostile topography” and “diverse weather patterns” were the major challenges, according to a 2019 safety report from Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, also resulting in a “number of accidents” to small aircraft. The report said such accidents happened at airports that had short strips of runway for takeoff and landing and most were due to pilot error.  

Yesterday’s crash is yet another chapter in Nepal’s poor track record.  Their planes are not allowed to fly into the EU!!!

Here are some brief notes I made when we were in Katmandu, waiting to fly over Mount Everest:

We spent the majority of the second day trying to get a flight over to Mount Everest.  It was called Buddha Air, with small 20 seat planes, that took tourists on a 90 minute flight to and over the big mountain.  A persistent fog kept us waiting for several hours.  When it finally lifted, I think we grabbed the last two seats on the little puddle jumper of an airplane.  Needless to say, Everest was magnificent on a beautiful blue-sky day.  It was worth the wait, in a huge, totally disorganized waiting room, with only tea and biscuits for purchase.

Looking back on this little adventure, I do not think we were aware of the danger or the poor flight record of the small, local air carriers.  But looking back at the little inter-Nepal terminal, it was nothing more than an old hangar, converted into a waiting area.  One small stand sold hot tea and some local tea cakes.  The toilets were also rather primitive.  Very few announcements were made.

We were told to wait, stay in the terminal, and an agent would find us when our flight was ready to leave.   As the flights and people started to leave, several hours later, an agent found us and told us to quickly board.We noticed we were on the plane with a group of Japanese tourists, who did not bother to use seat belts, or sit down during the flight.  They were so taken with seeing Everest, the plane would lean one way or another based on where the great mountain could be seen from the left or right of the plane.  Then, rather surprisingly, the captain said we could take turns and view Everest from the cockpit!!

After yesterday’s plane crash and the recount of airline safety statistics in Nepal, I realize how fortunate we were to survive that day.  I think you can see from the photos that our decision to fly over Everest was probably not very wise!

Nawlins Revisited

Posted by golfkat on January 16, 2023
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

From my visit last year (2021).

I have loved this city from my first visit in the early 80s, to my most recent in 2013 for Super Bowl 47 (and last year, January 2022).  While the food is good, I think it is the spirit of the people here.  They have been through so much here, particularly Hurricane Katrina.  It seems nothing would ever make them leave the area, no matter how difficult life has become.

Tennessee Williams one said, “America only has three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” While this might be a slightly judgmental exaggeration, there is no doubt that New Orleans stands out.

So, I will do all the fun, touristy things, like Johnny’s Po’ Boys, some beignets at Cafe Du Monde (not as good as before), some jazz, some oysters at Acme (really amazing!), and Felix’s.  Food is important here.  Believe it or not, I was walking down Bourbon Street on my first trip, with a few others.  I see a short little head pop up and down, and it turns out to be a friend of mine, Don, from SoCal!!  Small world.

But let’s take a slightly different look at this ultimately party time city.  The focus will be on things I have not done here.

Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour-New Orleans is often called the most haunted city in America.  Unsolved mysteries, black voodoo magic, and local ghosts!  We shall see.  I have already done the Cemetery Tour.

Banksy Street Art Tour-I guess he hit this city some time ago.  I saw his exhibit in Chicago last September and was cycling in Amsterdam when his mysterious black cats appeared.

French Quarter Food Tour-While I have been to most of the famous food establishments, it never hurts to see what the locals regard as the best.

Nawlins Bike Tour-Assuming no rain, expect to see me on two wheels.  They say ghosts love bicycles!

Voodoo Museum or Museum of Death-Well, maybe, maybe not.

The Pharmacy Museum-America’s first licensed pharmacy in 1823, by Louis Dufilho, Jr. (It was very interesting!)

I must reveal that my last visit was certainly different (Katrina took a toll), not just because of the Super Bowl.  And now, after the most recent storm, Hurricane Ida, I hope the city is back to its usual wild and crazy self.

While I am not the partier I thought I once was, Nawlins can change your mind set in a hurry.  Just ask every visiting Super Bowl team who visits.

.

From TravelPulse:  

There’s no doubt that NOLA has long been considered one of America’s weird and quirkiest cities. The decadent, tawdry and marvelous Big Easy has a peculiar uniqueness all its own. This Mississippi River city’s magnetic appeal is undeniable. And the food? Well, that’s a religion in itself.

Each February, Mardi Gras brings out the bold, the bawdy, and the creative. Mark Twain referred to New Orleans’ cemeteries as “Cities of the Dead” and these bizarre burial grounds are hauntingly unique. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 houses more than 700 elaborate crypts and mausoleums in its narrow labyrinthine walkways. And the city has inspired quite the retinue of horror stories.

Voodoo is still very practiced here – the ancient African religion brought to New Orleans from Haiti. Visitors looking for the bizarre, macabre, and creepy will find it here.

Also, in the best tradition of my regular travel buddy, Mr. Mike, Nawlins is a great walking city.  We have walked some of the great cities of the world together:  Cape Town, Bangkok, Singapore, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Hanoi, Seville, and London.

Walk, eat, drink, shop.  Repeat.

And people are very friendly here.

Some suggestions from SheBuysTravel:

  • Wander the French Quarter
  • Visit the National WWII Museum
  • Take a walking tour
  • Cruise the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez
  • Try some gumbo on a food walking tour
  • Party during Mardi Gras
  • Watch a parade
  • Listen to jazz music

Last time I was here, Elton John was in town.

But I am here to see my friends and enjoy Nawlins, eat some oysters each day, and just watch the festivities from afar.

Nawlins Oysters

Posted by golfkat on January 15, 2023
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

The main reason I am visiting New Orleans is my long-time friend Kenbob.  Ken and I have been friends, since meeting in Chicago, on a business trip in 1980.  Forty years of friendship can make anyone endure more than they bargain for.  In this case, his wife, Nelly, is a lovely Filipina, and loves the Miss Universe pageant.

I was told that the Miss U is a Filipina addiction or built in genetically, a way of life, perhaps even more.  When we met up in Hotlanta a few years ago, the Miss U pageant was held in their hometown of Atlanta.  Ken is a lifelong Atlantan, and Nelly is a relative newcomer.  But they were staying at the Atlanta Marriott, even though they live in Atlanta.  Why?  To be close to the action!!!  I even got a photo with Miss Japan, totally at random!

In fact, they were in Reno in October 2022 attending the Miss USA pageant.  That is how important the beauty pageants are to Nelly.  I assume Ken goes along just to keep her happy.  I admire his fortitude.  Kudos to Kenbob!!!

While I will not attend any official functions, I am certain I will get a big dose of Universe fever from Nelly.  I intend to consume my fair share of oysters, roam the French Quarter, and watch the festivities from afar.  Very far!

So, while they are attending pageant events, I will check out the music and sports.  Maybe the NBA Pelicans (originally the Charlotte Hornets) are in town? Tipitina’s has the Radiators Reunion playing.   Or maybe I will just sit at Acme or Mr. B’s all evening?  Or I will watch the Niner game on a big screen at Acme.

The first, real Miss U contest was held in Long Beach in 1952.  The title went to Miss Finland.  It was first televised in 1955 by CBS.  The contest has become even more famous since host Steve Harvey’s big mistake a few years ago.

Offline Playlist

My New Orleans!!!

New Orleans and Why Miss Universe?

Posted by golfkat on January 14, 2023
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Travel. Leave a comment

The main reason I am visiting New Orleans is my long-time friend Kenbob.  Ken and I have been friends, since meeting in Chicago, on a business trip in 1980.  Forty years of friendship can make anyone endure more than they bargain for.  In this case, his wife, Nelly, is a lovely Filipina, and loves the Miss Universe pageant.

I was told that the Miss U is a Filipina addiction or built in genetically, a way of life, perhaps even more.  When we met up in Hotlanta a few years ago, the Miss U pageant was held in their hometown of Atlanta.  Ken is a lifelong Atlantan, and Nelly is a relative newcomer.  But they were staying at the Atlanta Marriott, even though they live in Atlanta.  Why?  To be close to the action!!!  I even got a photo with Miss Japan, totally at random!

In fact, they were in Reno in October 2022 attending the Miss USA pageant.  That is how important the beauty pageants are to Nelly.  I assume Ken goes along just to keep her happy.  I admire his fortitude.  Kudos to Kenbob!!!

While I will not attend any official functions, I am certain I will get a big dose of Universe fever from Nelly.  I intend to consume my fair share of oysters, roam the French Quarter, and watch the festivities from afar.  Very far!

So, while they are attending pageant events, I will check out the music and sports.  Maybe the NBA Pelicans (originally the Charlotte Hornets) are in town? Tipitina’s has the Radiators Reunion playing.   Or maybe I will just sit at Acme or Mr. B’s all evening?  Or I will watch the Niner game on a big screen at Acme.

The first, real Miss U contest was held in Long Beach in 1952.  The title went to Miss Finland.  It was first televised in 1955 by CBS.  The contest has become even more famous since host Steve Harvey’s big mistake a few years ago.

Offline Playlist

My New Orleans!!!

Why Miss Universe?

Posted by golfkat on January 14, 2023
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment

The main reason I am visiting New Orleans is my long-time friend Kenbob.  Ken and I have been friends, since meeting in Chicago, on a business trip in 1980.  Forty years of friendship can make anyone endure more than they bargain for.  In this case, his wife, Nelly, is a lovely Filipina, and loves the Miss Universe pageant.

I was told that the Miss U is a Filipina addiction or built in genetically, a way of life, perhaps even more.  When we met up in Hotlanta a few years ago, the Miss U pageant was held in their hometown of Atlanta.  Ken is a lifelong Atlantan, and Nelly is a relative newcomer.  But they were staying at the Atlanta Marriott, even though they live in Atlanta.  Why?  To be close to the action!!!  I even got a photo with Miss Japan, totally at random!

In fact, they were in Reno in October 2022 attending the Miss USA pageant.  That is how important the beauty pageants are to Nelly.  I assume Ken goes along just to keep her happy.  I admire his fortitude.  Kudos to Kenbob!!!

While I will not attend any official functions, I am certain I will get a big dose of Universe fever from Nelly.  I intend to consume my fair share of oysters, roam the French Quarter, and watch the festivities from afar.  Very far!

So, while they are attending pageant events, I will check out the music and sports.  Maybe the NBA Pelicans (originally the Charlotte Hornets) are in town? Tipitina’s has the Radiators Reunion playing.   Or maybe I will just sit at Acme or Mr. B’s all evening?  Or I will watch the Niner game on a big screen at Acme.

The first, real Miss U contest was held in Long Beach in 1952.  The title went to Miss Finland.  It was first televised in 1955 by CBS.  The contest has become even more famous since host Steve Harvey’s big mistake a few years ago.

Offline Playlist

My New Orleans!!!

Most Beautiful Places in the World

Posted by golfkat on January 9, 2023
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Travel. Leave a comment

I usually do not travel seeking a beautiful country.  Mostly, I try to choose an interesting country, particularly lesser known countries, like Croatia, Serbia, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar, and Colombia.

But here is a list of beautiful countries, per “Wander with Alexander” and his bucket list:

Halong Bay, Vietnam

A very beautiful place, and perfect for someone like me who is not a cruiser.  It is just an overnight, with pretty good food and activities.  The cabins and bathrooms are quite spacious by cruise standards.  And the staff is friendly, speaking good English as well.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

By most standards, V Falls is a letdown from both Iguazu and Niagara Falls.  But, after all, it is Africa, and it has a rather unique charm.  It is best to combine with safaris, rather than make it your featured destination.

Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the biggest disappointments of my world travels.  Everyone has an opinion.  Too many people, too many oddities.  A real pain in the ass to get there, on a rickety old train with dozens of switchbacks.  And smelly tourists!

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Probably one of the most underrated experiences in my world travels.  Patagonia is beautiful but be prepared for the cold weather.  Torres del Paine is worth the trek by itself.  Did I say it was cold?  Just do not get a flat tire on the highway to Torres.

Great Barrier Reef

Get there before the reefs disappear.  It is worth flying halfway around the world!  And the food in this region is excellent, both surf and turf!  People in this region are very friendly too!

Santorini, Greece

I enjoyed Santorini, but it is a couples place, if you get my drift.  The people are great, the wine is quite different (high minerality), and the food both fresh and interesting (cheese pies and kydoni).  Go on a wine tour to see the unique farming methods for Santorini vineyards.  And the best sunsets in the world, better than Hawaii!

Yet to visit:

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is one of the most beautiful places in the world and one of the most unique. This mesmerizing site was created 40,000 years ago when two pre-historic lakes merged. With its vast blanket of white salt and mirror-like texture, you’ll be mesmerized by the reflections created by the sky and clouds.

During certain times of the year, this dream-like landscape transforms into a pink lake filled with flamingos, creating an even more captivating place to explore. And, adventurous souls are able to explore its salt fields that remain entirely untouched.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Located in southwestern Turkey, Pamukkale is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. This stunning landscape is known for its cascading white terraces created by mineral-rich natural springs. The terraced basins filled with thermal water have formed over time, creating a wonderful site called the “Cotton Castle” due to its similarity to a small fortress made of cotton billowing in the wind.

You can relax in the thermal waters or explore an ancient Roman spa located at Hierapolis, built alongside Pamukkale thousands of years ago. Those looking for adventure can hike up the mountains and soak in breathtaking views over the entire basin. For many travelers, a visit to Pamukkale is an unforgettable experience that will stay with them forever.

At this point in my life, I will probably not get to many more interesting places.  And I like to revisit places since I tend to make friends almost everywhere.

Solo Is the Way to Go!

Posted by golfkat on January 7, 2023
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Travel. Leave a comment

More travelers are expected to go solo in 2023.

According to Ohio University’s Office of Global Opportunities, solo travel has unique benefits, such as not having to plan around anyone else’s schedule, meeting new people, and growing outside of your comfort zone.

According to an August 2022 report from WTM Global Hub, Google searches for solo travel have quadrupled since 2020. Solo travel was already on the rise in 2022, according to Travel Pulse, and interest in adventuring alone is expected to continue to increase next year. According to Kayak, searches for single-traveler flights are 36% higher for 2023 travel than for 2022 travel. 

Data collected by travel company Go Ahead Tours shows that the top trending destinations for solo travelers are Spain, Italy, Greece, New Zealand, and Australia. 

This begs the question, would you go solo?  Perhaps it is/was easier for me since I did so much business travel back in the 80s.

As you already know, it is difficult to find the perfect travel mate.  My travel buddy, Mr. Mike is just about the perfect travel buddy.  We are not joined at the hip, stay in separate rooms,, and often venture off on our own.  We generally have breakfast and dinner together.  In between, he may venture off on foot, while I may head to a famous historic site or museum.  Once in a while, we do the hop on hop off bus if we are in a new city.  Best of all, we never, I repeat never, sit at dinner and calculate the bill.  Our premise is simple!  At the end of the trip, f we are within a few hundred dollars of each other, all is well!

But the reason I love solo travel so much is meeting new people, making new friends, and visiting old friends.  I can proudly say I have friends all over the world, places like Cape Town, Penang, KL, Lisbon, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Split, Tokyo, Lima, Paris, and Athens.

My first trip to Europe ended up a disaster.  I chose a fraternity brother who was well versed in wine, music, and fine arts.  It was a big mistake.  I felt the need to connect with other young people.  And I got tired of dressing up for dinner and classical music concerts in the evening.  But as a family-oriented email, I won’ tell you what I did instead!

Regardless of your situation, I strongly suggest embarking on a solo trip, even for a short weekend or a month in Asia, South America or Africa.  You will learn more about yourself than you ever imagined and become richer for the experience!