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All posts for the month January, 2013

The Sunset Limited

Posted by golfkat on January 30, 2013
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. 3 Comments

In the desertLake PonchartrainAmtrak's famous Sunset LimitedAmtrak route LA to NawlinsHaving taken to California Zephyr from Chicago to the Bay Area a few years, I decided it is time for a more southerly route, on the Sunset Limited. The Sunset starts in Los Angeles at historic Union Station, and ends up in the great city of New Orleans. It just so happens that I arrive on Feb 1, and the Super Bowl will be held on Feb. 3 in the rather infamous Superdome. Remember, they housed several thousands after Hurricane Katrina.

Only three trains depart weekly in each direction. Along the way are some interesting stops, although I will go straight through. First in Tucson is Saguaro National Park, which we visited a few years ago. Then in Alpine, Texas, the big attraction is Big Bend National Park, which I have not visited yet.

I am staying in a sleeper car for two nights along the way. The schedule is a little strange with a 10pm departure out of Los Angeles, and a 10pm arrival in Nawlins two days later. This route began in 1971 when Amtrak initiated service along the 1,995 mile route. The average ridership is 319 passengers, though it will likely be higher due to the Super Bowl. Perhaps the Niner cheerleaders will be on my train!

The original Sunset Limited (1993-2005), was limited due to Hurricane Katrina. The Sunset route went from Los Angeles to Miami, the only truly transcontinental route in American rail history. Pre-Amtrak, the route was serviced by the Southern Pacific Railroad from 1894 to the start of Amtrak in 1971.

So, here are the listed stops:

Pomona, CA
Ontario
Palm Springs
Yuma, AZ
Maricopa (Phoenix)
Tucson
Benson
Lordsburg, NM
Deming
El Paso, TX
Alpine
Sanderson
Del Rio
San Antonio
Houston
Beaumont
Lake Charles, LA
Lafayette
New Iberia
Shriever
New Orleans

I did not know that the train stops at some stations only when passengers are present. Other stations are must stops, and though a train may arrive early, it cannot leave until the scheduled time. Another plus is that Amtrak does not add a bunch of extra charges, other than tipping at the end of the trip. Trains also deliver the passenger into the heart of the city.

From my previous trip, I realize that one of the best things to do on the train is just to wander. The train lets you stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and grab a beverage anytime of day or night. But the biggest pleasure is to meet and talk with the other passengers. And legroom is never an issue!

To start the trip, I am flying to Long Beach to visit my Aunt and Uncle. Then I will take the light rail into downtown Los Angeles and famed Union Station to catch the Sunset. So, my biggest issue is the shower. If I shower in Long Beach, I need only one shower on the train. I arrive in Nawlins at 10pm on the third day, meaning I can shower at my destination. I hate the train showers, often times small, and often times showering while teetering back and forth in the stall.

But such are the difficulties and enjoyments of rail travel. It is part of America that I now have time to enjoy, this long slow train to the Bayou. I have long forgotten my airline flights, but I never forget the train rides. If you ever get the chance to do something like this, I highly recommend it. It is better than the airplane, even when sitting in First Class.

Best Places for Solo Travel

Posted by golfkat on January 26, 2013
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. 2 Comments

Crazy BritsWe Are the Champs!!!!Brit1

A Great Business suit

SB10I have often traveled the flyways, highways, and byways of this great land by myself. It started when I traveled on business, primarily in the late 70s, 80s, and into the 90s. Business travel can get lonely, unless you learn how to use your spare time. It is easier when visiting a city that has wonderful attractions, like Washington, DC, Honolulu, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, or Seattle. It is a bit more difficult to find something interesting to do in Oklahoma City, Podunk, North Carolina, Cheyenne, Wyoming, or Elko, Nevada.

The solo traveler these days has a smart phone, and laptop computer (or netbook in my case). It is easy to stay in contact with friends and loved ones back home. But there may be times when you would prefer to stay out of contact, and just let your mind and feet wander in a new and strange place. My recent trip to Memphis was just such a trip, where I let my car or my legs take me to spaces and places most of you dared imagine.

Most of you who know me and my travel habits, know that I do some research before hitting a new city, state, or country. Back when I traveled on business, I did not have the luxury of having the time for advanced research and planning. I was scrambling to get plane tickets, a good hotel, and appointments that fit into the travel schedule. Any free time was completely left to chance.

Two events are always at the top of my list when I reach a city. This would be a professional sporting event, like a baseball game, and secondly, some music, whether a concert or a night club. Some people who travel as much as I do strongly discourage going to night clubs. They say nothing good can happen there. I disagree. Nothing bad has ever happened to me, and I plan to keep it that way!

My business travel was always in a suit. Perhaps that was a “safer” appearance than tourist gear. It provides a sense of belonging, whereas bermuda shorts and sunglasses shout “tourist” through and through. Now, I wear something in between, business casual as they say. It really does help to be neatly and well dressed, everywhere in the world.

Another big problem for some solo travelers is having to eat alone. Since I have been doing this since the 70’s, I do not feel self-conscious when entering a nice place to eat. Some people prefer to use room service, or buy take out food. But the essence of travel is to get out and experience the city and the culture. And food does that, whether you believe me or the food travel gurus like Bourdain and Zimmern, even Rachel. The meal time interactions and conversations provide great insight into the local psyche, the toughness of the economy, and the pulse on the happy meter of the locals.

But, as I said, some places are better than others. One such place is Chicago. They say it has the buzz of the big city, with the friendliness of the south. Additionally, it is a safe city, and has great public transportation. Dining and shopping options are plentiful, and rather exciting. Venture out into the neighborhoods, like Wicker Park, Ravenswood, or the near North for some really unique experiences.

Most people recommend one of Chicago’s fine museums, like the Field Museum or the Art Institute. But if you are like me, and prefer to be outside, the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park make a great walk. And the Chicago architecture tour can be done on the water, in a tour boat on the Chicago River. It is also quite easy to grab a Chicago dog or deep dish pizza at one of thousands of city purveyors.

Who could ever get bored in a place like Dublin, Ireland that is. I imagine I could walk into just about any pub and be treated like a long lost Irishman. Famous Grafton Street has everything from books to shoes for you shoppers. There is a pub on every corner. Right now, Ireland is very affordable. You will be one of the gang by your second pint!

New Orleans is one of the friendliest cities in the universe. I have been there both for business, then later for pleasure. I plan to be there for the upcoming Super Bowl as well. Both the French Quarter and Garden District are safe. Food and drinks are plentiful, and easy to obtain for the solo traveler. All of the well know attractions, like Cafe du Monde, Johnny’s Po’ Boys, and Acme Oyster House are at your disposal. Both are filled with solo diners at all times of day and night.

So, why not head to Music City, Nashville? Besides the Grand Ole Opry, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. And enjoy the southern cooking and barbecue of Nashville. Just about every bar in the city has music, played by hopeful musicians waiting to be discovered. Southern hospitality will take over as soon as you set foot in this city. And you may not want to leave. No comment about Dollywood, however.

I have not been to Austin, especially since their motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” So, when a city brags about their weirdness, you can expect a good time. They also proclaim their city to be the “Live Music Capital of the World.” And I would focus on the music and the barbecue should I ever go there. The city is cheap, actually the 12th most affordable place to live in the U.S. Zilker Park and the Congress Avenue Bridge are secret spots for tourists.

Who could not have a great time in Sydney? Only a fool. It must be just about the best place for a tourist to enjoy the sights and food. And Aussie culture is all over the place, front and center. It must be about the most interesting and friendliest city I have ever visited. There is so much people watching here that it has become a sport of sorts. One of the best places to hang out is Bondi Beach. Then when you tired of that, head to the Sydney harbor, as most attractions have no admission fee.

I am not so sure Costa Rica is such a great place for solo travel. Parts of the country are quite remote, roads are bad, and rules seem the be rather poorly enforced. The capital of San Jose is certainly nothing to enjoy. But the resorts up in the mountains and on the beaches are both interesting and beautiful. Ticos, the name for locals, are quite friendly. English is widely spoken, and coffee farms abound. Just make sure you like to eat red beans and rice.

I know many people who travel solo. For women, the biggest problems are pesty men looking for a hookup. For men, the biggest problem are pest men looking for a hookup. Ha-ha! Yes, pesty men are the problem! Rarely have I come across any pesty women, other than in Mendoza, Argentina. I think they just wanted a free meal.

When I see other solo travelers, it does provide an opportunity for both conversation and perhaps sharing a meal or adventure. That is how I met the fabulous Barry the V from Cape Town. We were hanging out in the internet room of our Santiago, Chile hotel. He joined us for dinner, and four hours later, we were best friends. We descended on him last summer in Cape Town for a two week stay. Little did he know that we were such freeloaders!

Beat Jet Lag?

Posted by golfkat on January 18, 2013
Posted in: Action, Health, Travel. 1 Comment
It seems like a good subject, since it seems like jet lag was much to blame for the recent loss by the Seattle Seahawks.  They traveled not once, but twice to the east coast inside of a week.  You would think they could take a lesson from their hated foes, our hometown San Francisco Forty Niners.  When the 49ers have back to back games back east, they STAY back east.  For much of the first half of their recent crushing loss, the Seahawks looked to be sleep walking.
A new web site called Jet Lag Rooster, lets the traveler enter information like trip itinerary, normal waking and slumber times, and a shifting slumber schedule.  From this data, the Rooster will calculate optimal times, to the hour, for seeking and avoiding light.  A guy named Jay Olson up in Vancouver came up with this after a European trip where he had time zone issues.
It seems bright light is one of the key elements of keeping the body in sync with our environment.  Light in the early morning makes us wake up.  Light around bedtime makes us wake up later.  From this, he developed an algorithm that helps us adjust to upcoming jet lag in a user friendly manner.  It tells the user when to seek or avoid light to shift the body clock.
Shifting the “day time” hours before a flight is nothing new.  This just makes it a little more scientific.  Of course, you may still want to use melatonin*.  The body is regulated by our circadian clock.  It is out of sync when reaching a new destination.  And as the Seahawks discovered, jet lag leads to fatigue, cognitive problems, and disruption of your bathroom routine.  It also decreases athletic ability, and can also increase depression.  For pleasure trips, this definitely decreases our enjoyment of the destination. 
The customized jet lag plan tells the user when to use exposure to light, as sunlight works best.  To avoid light, he recommends closing curtains, turning off lights, and using a sleep mask, Zorro.  Of course, results vary by length of trip, with more success on shorter trips.  But jet lag can be reduced on longer trips, perhaps not eliminated.
So, let’s plan a mythical trip to New Zealand just for fun. 
Here it is: Your flight from San Francisco, United States to Auckland, New Zealand has little risk of jet lag. Optionally follow the guidelines below.

To reduce jet lag:

Thu, 17 Jan 2013
17:00–21:00 Seek light
21:00 Go to sleep
Fri, 18 Jan 2013
18:00–22:00 Seek light
22:00 Go to sleep
Sat, 19 Jan 2013
19:00–23:00 Seek light
23:00 Go to sleep
Sun, 20 Jan 2013
11:59 Depart, set watch to 08:59
Mon, 21 Jan 2013
18:30 Arrive
Guidelines:
  • Seek light means try to get as much light as possible. Spend time outside in sunlight (even if cloudy) or near a bright window. If dark out, seek bright artificial light, preferably from a portable light box. Intermittent light works, but try to stay in light for as long as convenient.
  • Avoid light means avoid as much light as convenient and safe. You will probably feel tired and will want to sleep around this time. If sleeping, turn off lights and close curtains, or wear a sleep mask (even a cheap one will work). If awake, wear dark sunglasses if not driving, or blue-blocker sunglasses if driving.

Tips to reduce travel fatigue:

  • During the flight:
    • Drink a lot of water (rather than tea, coffee, or alcohol)
    • Eat fruit
  • Upon arrival:
    • Drink a lot of water (rather than tea, coffee, or alcohol)
    • Take a shower
    • Take a 20-minute nap if needed

These seem pretty logical to me. Going east is totally different: Your flight from San Francisco, United States to London, United Kingdom has a risk of jet lag. Follow the jet lag plan below until you are sleeping well at night and alert during the day. Times after departure (after setting watch) are in the arrival city’s time zone (London, United Kingdom).

To reduce jet lag:

Fri, 18 Jan 2013
06:00 Wake up
06:00–10:00 Seek light
Sat, 19 Jan 2013
05:00 Wake up
05:00–09:00 Seek light
Sun, 20 Jan 2013
04:00 Wake up
04:00–08:00 Seek light
11:59 Depart, set watch to 19:59
Mon, 21 Jan 2013
04:00–08:00 Avoid light
05:30 Arrive
08:00–12:00 Seek light
Tue, 22 Jan 2013
03:00–07:00 Avoid light
07:00–11:00 Seek light
Wed, 23 Jan 2013
02:00–06:00 Avoid light
06:00–10:00 Seek light
Thu, 24 Jan 2013
01:00–05:00 Avoid light
05:00–09:00 Seek light
Fri, 25 Jan 2013
00:00–04:00 Avoid light
04:00–08:00 Seek light

The eastern trip is a little more complicated.  It looks to me like most of us, even if retired, cannot spend this amount of time avoiding light, upon arrival in London.   It is highly impractical, especially if you are on a business trip.
So, use their website, and see if it might work for you.  In general, my rule of thumb is that it is always easier to “follow the sun.”  I always have more trouble when heading east, to the East Coast, or on to Europe.  I am also a firm believer in sleeping on any flight longer than 4 or 5 hours, even it means a chemically induced sleep, either sleeping pills or alcohol, your choice.  Ir just let fatigue rear its ugly head!

*melatonin-is a natural hormone made by your pineal gland.  It is inactive during the day, but activates when darkness occurs.  Aha!  You now have the secret to good sleep.  Bright light inhibits the release of melatonin.  Melatonin release decreases with age.  Now you know why you get sleepy so much earlier in the winter.
And you heard about the lazy Italian?   He got jet lag when he drove to San Diego (same time zone).

To Be, Or Not To Be, on Beale (Street)!

Posted by golfkat on January 14, 2013
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Travel. 1 Comment

B B King'sMy impression is that my music life in 2012 was rather dismal.  So, to kick start the year, why not start in Memphis, on Beale Street, birthplace of the blues, and a melting pot of music with jazz, R & B, rock and roll, and gospel.  It is also the home of Graceland, where the ghost of Elvis lives on.  And speaking of ghosts, this is the place where the great Martin Luther King lost his life.  As they say, combine cold beer and hot music to make Beale Street the coolest place in Memphis.

Beale Street was originally home to traders and merchants along the Mississippi River.  By the 1860s, musicians began performing on Beale, and it began to flourish as a musical mecca.  In 1890, came the famous Orpheum Theater, touted as the finest theater in the South.  Then in 1899, the first Black millionaire in the South, Robert Church, created Church Park, a gathering place for musicians.  Beale Street became a place where people could listen to music.

Then, in the early 1900s, along came W. C. Handy, who made his mark from the 1920s to 1940s.  He attracted other blues and jazz legends, like B. B. King (do you know what the BB stands for?), Memphis Minnie, Muddy Waters, Albert King, and Louis Armstrong.  They all performed on Beale Street, and created the style now known as Memphis blues.

In 1966, Beale Street was declared a National Historic Landmark.  Then in 1977, Congress officially declare it the Home of the Blues.  But all one needs to do is walk down Beale Street, with music pouring out into the street in copious amounts.  Among the clubs and restaurants are the Rum Boogie Cafe, B. B. King’s, Silky O’Sullivan’s, Coyote Ugly, The Red Rooster, Miss Polly’s Soul City Cafe, and the Hard Rock Cafe. 

Every May, the Beale Street Music Festival attracts big names like Wilco, John Legend, Johnny Trash, Otis Redding, Snoop Dogg, and John Mellencamp.  It launches a month of festivities known as Memphis in May.  What about the ghost of Elvis?  I can see why he said that you MUST move when you hear his rock and roll.  He must have learned that from his musical roots here in Memphis! Beale Street itself runs from the River to East Street, a distance of 1.8 miles.  It is the major tourist attraction of Memphis.  Beale was named by developer Robertson Topp in 1841 for a forgotten military hero.  Many Black traveling musicians began playing here, the first among them, The Young Men’s Brass Band.  When Mr. Church built the park, he added a 2,000 seat auditorium. W.C. Handy arrived on the recommendation of Booker T. Washington.  The mayor had called the Tuskegee Institute looking for a music teacher for his Knights of Pythias Band.  Handy made Memphis his home, and created “Blues on Beale Street”.  Mayor Thornton and his three sons played in Handy’s band. Like many inner cities, Beale Street became rundown, with many stores closed in the 1960s.  Fortunately, in 1973, the Beale Street Development Corporation was formed to redevelop this famous street.  The goal was to preserve much of Beale Street’s music legacy, with the $5.2 million in grants.  And despite many controversies and lawsuits, the area has prevailed and regained its place as the birth place of the blues.

And I do declare, that there is something special about the Memphis style blues.  It has plenty of soul, with lots of rhythm, and a strong beat.  Add to that, a trombone and a sax man, the sound is quite full.  It makes you move, like Elvis music.  Beale Street is THE place for the blues!
BB=Blues Baby

Graceland Visit

Posted by golfkat on January 13, 2013
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Travel. 28 Comments
I managed to see Elvis long after his prime, at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe in 1971, as I recall.  It was not the most glowing image of Elvis that I can recall.  And I actually went to an Elvis Festival in Penticton, British Columbia with dear friends, Ken and Debbie.  The best things about Penticton were its proximity to some decent golf courses, and an abundance of wineries in the Okanogan Valley.  Oh, and Ken’s dedication to Rocky Mountain Raspberry ice cream!
But here in Memphis, one must make a pilgrimage to Graceland, the 13.8 acre site that was home to Elvis Presley.  It is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN.  Many people say it is the second (600,000 visits) most visited home, after the White House (900,000 visits) in Washington, DC.  Though Elvis died here in 1977, it did not open to the public until 1982.  It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, (1991), and declared a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
Most people, including me, did not realize he had a twin brother, Jesse Garon, who is also buried here.  Elvis is buried here in the Meditation Garden, along with his parents, and grandmother. 
Some controversy exists as to the contents of the Graceland mansion itself.  Arthur Goldman, an Elvis biographer, describes Graceland as a brothel, where nothing in the house is worth a dime.  He calls it garish, phony, and gaudy, with the royal red reaching an intensity that would make you gag.  Looks very British in my opinion.
It was back in 1957 that Elvis gave his parents $100,000 to buy a “farmhouse” type property to purchase.  After his Mom died, Vernon Presley married Dee Stanley in 1960, and lived there for a while.  His wife to be, Priscilla Beaulieu lived at Graceland for five years before she married Elvis.  They lived there for five more years after they married in 1967.
Most of you know Elvis had some quirks.  Here is one of the biggest, a list of items that must be kept in the kitchen, at all times.
  • fresh, lean, unfrozen ground meat
  • one case regular Pepsi
  • one case orange drinks
  • rolls (hot rolls – Brown ‘n’ Serve)
  • at least 6 cans of biscuits
  • hamburger buns
  • pickles
  • potatoes and onions
  • assorted fresh fruits
  • cans of sauerkraut
  • wieners
  • at least three bottles each of milk and Half and Half.
  • thin, lean bacon
  • mustard
  • peanut butter
  • fresh, hand-squeezed cold orange juice
  • banana pudding (to be made fresh nightly)
  • ingredients for meat loaf and sauce
  • brownies (to be made fresh nightly)
  • ice cream – vanilla and chocolate
  • shredded coconut
  • fudge cookies
  • 3 packs each of Spearmint, Doublemint, and Juicy Fruit gum
  • cigars (El Producto Diamond Tips & El Producto Altas)
  • cigarettes
  • Dristan
  • Super Anahist
  • Contac
  • Sucrets (antibiotic red box)
  • Feenamint gum
  • matches (four to five books)
Interestingly to me, President George W. Bush hosted the Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi in 2006, for a tour of the mansion.  It became the only residence on American soil (other than an Embassy), the White House, or Presidential retreat, to host a sitting U.S. President and foreign head of state.  Obviously Koizumi was a big Elvis fan, and even shares the same date of birth, January 8.
So, how did it become a tourist destination?  After Elvis’ death, and faced with mounting debts and expenses, Priscilla hired Jack Soden to turn Graceland into a moneymaker.  Today, the entire enterprise (now a trust) is worth well over $100 million.  Living Room
Many people plan their trip to Graceland as a pilgrimage of sorts, planning years in advance for this semi-religious experience.  In the garden where Elvis’ grave is located, many pray or sing Elvis songs while kneeling at his grave.  The headphones narrate his life, including his rise from a poor boy to rock and roll fame, along with his stint in the Army, his extraordinary musical talent, his generosity, his substance abuse, and his love of Gospel music.
Many Elvis artifacts are also found here, including his famous jumpsuits, awards, gold records, the Lisa Marie jetliner, and his extensive auto collection.  The upper floors where the Presleys lived is not open to the public.  Elvis’ bedroom has remained untouched since his death.
New exhibits this year:
Live from Las Vegas
Elvis’ Hawaii
Elvis’ Tupelo
Elvis, Through His Daughter’s Eyes
When in doubt, just go to Elvis.com!!!!
The title of Paul Simon’s album, Graceland, was inspired by Elvis’ home.  The title song presents Graceland as a holy place.  Whether you agree or not, Elvis is an American musical icon, who changed rock and roll forever.  Many of us never got to see him in his prime, other than on the Ed Sullivan Show.  To me, the message is clear.  See and hear the great musical icons while they are alive, whether you like Stevie Wonder, or Bruce Springsteen.  They will not be around forever.

Memphis Time

Posted by golfkat on January 11, 2013
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Music, Travel. 1 Comment
I have been to Tennessee at least once before.  I went for some computer training in Nashville, aka Music City, back in the Nineties.  I was able to do the obvious sights, including the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland Hotel, Dollywood, and Nashville’s Music Mile and Music Row.  And I do remember how hot and humid the Nashville summer was.  I wonder what ever became of my old friend, Miss Tennessee (her name is Pamelia)?  But I have always wanted to visit Graceland, near Memphis, on the other side of the state.
But I still have some uneasiness, after all these years, of being in substantially, an all white state, as a minority.  I grew up in the 60s, when segregation, busing, integration, and Martin Luther King were dominating the headlines in newspapers and television.  Whether or not this is warranted, only time will tell.  But the stories and images of a more contentious time remain in my head.  I just always try to keep myself in safe situations when traveling alone.
Memphis, on the other hand, sits on the confluence of the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers, on the western end of the state, near Arkansas.  With about 700,000 people, Memphis is the largest city (Nashville has a larger metro area) in Tennessee.  And this state was the home of famous pioneers like Davy Crockett, Andrew Jackson (who actually helped found Memphis), and  Al Gore, who invented the internet and global warming (just ask him!).
Downtown Memphis today
Memphis was a major slave market in the antebellum South.  Tennessee seceded from the Union in June, 1861.  After the Battle of Memphis the next year, Memphis remained under Union control for the duration of the war.  It became a Union supply base.  Later in 1870, yellow fever devastated Memphis, resulting in 75% of the people dying or leaving.
But despite that, Memphis became the world’s largest market for spot cotton and hardwood lumber.  It was also the world’s largest mule market!  During the 1960s, the civil rights movement overtook Memphis with the sanitation strike.  But sadly, and most importantly, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated here at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968.
The list of famous musicians who grew up around here is notable.  These include:  Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Johnny Trash, W.C. Handy, Roy Orbison, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave, B.B. King, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, Justin Timberlake, Wilson Pickett, Al Green, Albert King, The Box Tops, and Alex Chilton.  A rather impressive list! 
In fact, the top 5 music attractions are Graceland, Stax Records, Sun Studio, Rock and Soul Museum, and the Gibson Guitar Factory. The composition of Memphis remains much like it was during the Civil War, with 62.6% Blacks, and 31.7% Whites.  Hispanics are 5%, while Asians are only 1.7%. 
The Mason Temple here is where Dr. King gave his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech the day before he was killed.  We are coming up on Dr. King’s birthday later this month.
The Arcade, Memphis' Oldest Restaurant
The Arcade Memphis is known for their barbecue.  This will present an opportunity to compare it to North Carolina, Nashville, Hotlanta, and Texas (the famous Salt Lick).  The Arcade, pictured above, is the oldest restaurant in Memphis.  I am sure there is more to Memphis cuisine than barbecue. 
BTW, I ran across a great website/blog called “I Love Memphis” and it is extremely well written, and enthusiastic.  I plan to find out more about it. But my reasons for being here are threefold.  First, I have always wanted to visit Graceland, home of Elvis Presley.  Second, I wanted to visit famous Beale Street and its musical legacy.  And third, I can visit up to three more states that I have never visited before, Arkansas (home of Slick Willie), Mississippi, and Alabama.  I figured it is the least painful way to get to these states without actually staying there!!!

World’s Ugliest Airports

Posted by golfkat on January 7, 2013
Posted in: Entertainment, Food, Travel. 18 Comments

 

After spending a month in Africa, I sincerely believe they have a lock on the world’s ugliest airports, apart from perhaps Cape Town.  Some are just a dirt field, with a shack made of old and rusted aluminum siding and scrap wood.  It serves as a snack shop, dispatch for tour operators, and often have an outhouse in the back.  I would feel better if they had at least a wind sock flying on a pole near the earthen runway.  Or how about planting some trees for shade?  It seems nobody wants to think about tomorrow in this Dark Continent.
The story goes that we all “hate” the airport we use the most.  Since I use both Oakland and San Francisco airports, I can tell you Oakland is much easier to use and navigate.  But the International Terminal at SFO is superior to most airports, perhaps just for its newness and space.  It offers some decent and varied food, as well as plenty of quiet areas and airline lounges.  Above all, the noise level seems better, probably due to the high ceilings and modern sound proofing.  Remember most U.S. airports were built back in the 1950s and 1960s.  Time to rebuild, America!
SFO International Terminal
The corollary to this entire story is that when any of us are fortunate to travel to far away places, we should not complain about the airport itself.  As long as the commercial flight meets FAA safety regulations, and they have a cold drink or hot coffee on board, we should be happy.   But if you have spent anywhere near the time I have in airports around the world, the amenities and comfort become increasingly important.
So, was the airport with the dirt runway near the Serengeti the smallest, most rustic, and simple airport ever?  How about Chico’s little airport, once served by the now defunct Hughes Air Worst?  They had those bright yellow planes as I recall.  Or how about the gravel runways in Xieng Quang, Laos, lined with scarfaced hillsides from our “secret” CIA bombings during the Vietnam War?  Or on the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, where your luggage must be sent ahead by truck to help control the weight of precious cargo (me!)?
Oakland is quick for me, about a 25 to 30 minute drive when there is no traffic.  BART goes to the Oakland airport using first, its trains and a bus called AirBART.  It will soon have a “spur” of the BART line from the Coliseum station to the front door of the airport.  SFO, on the other hand, can easily be a 40 to 45 minute drive with no traffic.  But BART goes directly into the airport near the International Terminal (about an hour), with easy walks or the free airport AirTrain to all three terminals.
But Oakland, at best, is a marginal airport, simple, functional, and quite linear.  Terminal One is old, having been refurbished more times than Joan Rivers’ face.  Terminal Two, which is mostly SWA flights, is a little more palatable, but still quite linear.  But the airport is simple and straight forward, no thrills and spills, making it quick and comfortable for departures and arrivals.
In southern California, Los Angeles International has been described as mean, spread out, and incoherent.  I agree, and it should be demolished and begin anew.  Burbank (now called Bob Hope) airport is easy in and out, but about as ugly as a coyote dressed as an old lady.  I vote for it to be demolished as well.  The food is bad here, and it smells like day old injera.  The one redeeming feature of old Burbank Airport is the plethora of famous people who use the airport.
Yes, this is important!
The rest of the American airports are not much better.  JFK, O’Hare, Dulles, and Hartsfield (Atlanta) are nothing to brag about.  It seems like most of them just purchased overstock building materials from non descript high rises, and pieced together a patchwork airport.  Then there is the nightmare that is the new Denver airport.  Out in the middle of nowhere, it is a loooong ride into downtown Denver, and the “white tent” architecture reminds me of a cheap circus.
Among the better airports in Asia, I would list the obvious, like Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.  They are clean, offer a wide variety of above average food, and plentiful shopping to kill time.  Among the stinkers in Asia are:  Kathmandu, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Hanoi….never mind, just put all of them in the stinker category.  Almost as bad are the South American airports, like Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo.
Pet peeve #1:  Why do I have to tip the “attendant” in the airport loo when it is a public place?
Over in the Old World, Heathrow London is a nightmare to navigate, and certainly not pretty to the eye.  Perhaps it is, at best, a reflection of the U.K. itself.  I would also place major airports, like Frankfurt, Paris, Berlin, and Rome in this same category.  Old and tired! Close behind are smaller airports like Lisboa, Sofia, and Milan.  War zone airports like Baghdad, and Kosovo should not even be mentioned here.
What is the common thread in almost every airport?  The best word, borrowed from the curator of the Museum of Modern Art, is “placelessness“.  The airports are ugly by choice, perhaps to make the cities and countryside they serve, a little more appealing?  Perhaps they are afraid we travelers would just hang out at the airport!
Which is my favorite airport?  I place my vote for Lima, Peru.  Why?  They had the best bowl of tomato soup, with a tasty grilled ham and cheese sandwich.  It was totally unexpected!  It was so good, I do not remember how dreadful the airport really was.
Bottom line, I guess the ugly airport finds its place next to the ugly baby.  Just ignore it, and hope it goes away quickly.  Who goes to an airport for fun anyway?
Pet peeve #2:  Why can’t the shuttle buses from hotels and off airport parking lots let us off directly in front of the terminal?

Sedona Vortexes

Posted by golfkat on January 2, 2013
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. 32 Comments
Sedona's Bell Rock Sedona cliffs Sedona Shade Sedona SunlightWhat is it about Sedona that keeps me coming back?  
No, it’s not vortices. In Sedona the plural of vortex is usually vortexes. So what is a vortex, anyway? Well. you see them in everyday life. The turbulent flow of water makes vortexes. If you have ever seen a whirlpool in a river or watched water going down the drain in the bath tub and have witnessed the tornado like glassiness of spinning water, you have seen a vortex. A vortex is created from spiraling motion of air or liquid around a center of rotation. If you have ever witnessed a dust devil kick up in the desert, you have seen a vortex.
In Sedona vortexes are created, not by wind or water, but from spiraling spiritual energy. The vortexes of Sedona are named because they are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, mediation and healing. Vortex sites are believed to be locations having energy flow that exists on multiple dimensions. The energy of the vortexes interacts with a person’s inner self. It is not easily explained. Obviously it must be experienced.
I must tell you that last year and the year before, I did experience some kind of “magnetic field” or “cosmic force” when I was in one of the vortexes.  It is rather difficult to explain exactly what I felt, or to compare it to something everyone can relate to.  Something is going on, but I do not have a good explanation for it.  You will have to decide for yourself.
Mostly, Sedona has a rather eclectic vibe, harmonically speaking.  It keeps drawing me back each year for reasons unknown to me.  I could attribute it to my Sixties mentality.  By that, I mean the various cultural movements of the Sixties, not my age!  But it seems Sedona is full of people my age.  But I love the hiking, red rocks, quirky restaurants, and strange retailing.
The first several views of the magical red rocks are quite outstanding.  With the cloudy sky, many of the larger rock structures and hills were covered in various shades of light and dark.  The colors were both obvious and subtle, in almost the same minute.
We arrived in the late afternoon, and decided to head to The Barking Frog Grille for dinner.  They make the guacamole at the table!  Then, we split their famous black (berries) and bleu (cheese) salad.  Sheri had the signature halibut tacos, and I had the papaya chipotle white shrimp small plate.  We had to finish the dinner with a hot fudge sundae, even with the snow flurries outside. And it is quite cold outside. 
Some of the snow is sticking, particularly up here on the mesa.  The Sky Ranch Lodge hotel is located up on a plateau adjacent to the airport.  The view is spectacular and clear, even in the snow flurries.  And did I say it is cold outside?  Why did I complain so much about the weather back home?

So, off for an early breakfast.  There seem to be no shortage of tourists here.  And we also had several Ducks on the plane to Phoenix from Oakland, no doubt some football players for the Nike/Oregon Ducks, here to play in the Fiesta Bowl.  And they were well-behaved too, I might add, much to my surprise.  But why are so many other passengers and tourists so giddy?  Do they think this is Vegas or Hawaii?  We shall see!

In 1987, Sedona‘s reputation as a spiritual center got quite a boost. Many journeyed to Sedona during the time of the highly anticipated
Our Aetheism writer, explains Harmonic Convergence. On the weekend of August 16th and 17th, 1987, the great “Harmonic Convergence” was supposed to take place – at least, that is what José Arguelles told people. A great many believed him – not simply prominent leaders of the New Age movement like Shirley MacLaine, but also millions and millions of adherents.