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All posts for the month May, 2015

The Almighty Passport to the World

Posted by golfkat on May 31, 2015
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Travel. Leave a comment
I think I am now using my fourth or fifth passport.  I received my first one in 1971, prior to my first trip to Europe.  I actually found it last October when we were packing to move here.  My current passport needed additional pages prior to a trip in 2013 to Ecuador, and Colombia.  In its current condition, it resembles a small book, difficult to stash in a secret location, and so obvious whenever I carry it in my pocket.
Did you know that the number of US passport issued has 14 million in 2014, up from only 5.5 million back in 1996?

A passport seems to be relatively easy to acquire.  Perhaps that is why we have so many undesirables entering our country, either to become terrorists or mooch off of our social welfare system.  Here is the low down on the passport acquisition process.

Image result for passports

1.  Go online to the U.S. Department of State website, fill out the form, and take it to a nearby designated office, usually a post office.  You will need to pay $110, provide two passport photos, and a birth certificate. 

2.  A renewal can be done through the mail, registered I might suggest.  Never use a third party “passport expediting company” to handle your passport for you.  I have heard many first hand stories, mostly horror stories about their reliability.  Did I say NEVER??
One good rule of thumb is to renew before your passport has six months remaining, as many countries will not allow you to enter or issue a visa for short dated passports.  You can pay extra for an “expedited” passport for $170, and get your passport in three weeks or less.  It is possible to get a passport in a day, for only “true” emergencies, also for $170.

3.  Buying blank pages (24 of them) was a real pain, and no longer available after this year.  I took my passport into the office, whereupon they made me apply for a new passport.  It reach the Atlanta passport office, whereupon I received a call on Christmas eve of all times.  They seemed to know better than the woman in the local post office.  I received my passport with additional pages in a matter of days, for much less than the $110 passport fee.  But they never sent my original check back, nor did they return my passport photos.  After this year, your passport renewal will be 52 pages (at no additional cost) instead of the standard 28 pages.  The current limit is 76 pages, perhaps easily reached by certain friends of mine, like KM, GG, WW, LB, or you!

Image result for passports My dream passport!

4. Keep you passport in a safe place, such as your backpack, hidden in your underwear (clean, I hope), zippered pocket, hotel safe, or armored car.  Always make two copies of your passport, just in case.  I keep a full color copy, sealed in plastic, on my at ALL times, while in a foreign country.  And never let your passport get wet or soiled.  Most newer passports have a microchip sealed inside the back corner.  It is impossible to digitally read the passport unless it is open!

5.  You are allowed to have a duplicate.  I personally do not, but I can see why.  This might be the only reason.  When entering certain countries (particularly the military dictatorships), they seem to FROWN on seeing certain visas in your passport.  And they might even ask what you did there, and what you plan to do in their country.  They also like to make snide comments about your name or places you have been.  If you are worried about being without a passport while waiting for a visa from a foreign embassy, I can see why two would be better.  Bottom line for me, is trying to keep track of TWO passports, instead of one.

6.  They say the best passport in the world is either Canadian or Swiss.  I am proud to show my American passport. My Russian visa required an “invitation” from a Russian citizen or organization.  Furthermore, they keep track of where you are going.  Hotels are required to “register” your passport with the BIG Russian database.  My Trans Siberian Railway ticket had specific dates and designated stops.  They know where you are at all times!

7.  The silliest passport experience I ever had was crossing “Checkpoint Charlie” into East Berlin (Communist) back in 1971.  I crossed through the checkpoint with an American hippie couple.  While they strip-searched the young lady, they made fun of her boyfriend’s last name, Kelly.  They wanted to know if he was related to Lt. William Calley, who orchestrated the My Lai massacre in Vietnam.

Did you know these places can be visited without a U.S. passport?  Puerto Rico, of course, I am sure you figured that one.  Also, the U.S. Virgin Islands (only if you qualify, haha!), the Northern Mariana Islands in Micronesia, Guam, and American Samoa.
Though not part of your passport, make sure you check the website at the Centers for Disease Control before visiting a foreign country.  Necessary precautions include anti-malarial meds,  along with various immunizations, including typhoid, yellow fever, and boosters of various sorts.
8.  One thing I did not realize is your photo and your current appearance.  If you have gained or lost weight, facelifts, or added piercings and tattoos that change your appearance dramatically, it would be wise to get an updated photo and a new passport.  You must have a neutral appearance, whatever that means.  I assume no big smiles or frowns.  And get this:  clothes that look like a uniform are forbidden!  Your head must take up 50 to 69% of the space, not difficult for some of you!!
9.  What makes passport invalid? Torn data page, wet or water marked pages, ripped out pages, or stinky smell!  Keep it clean, treasure it, and you will be fine, unless you are Barry the V or Mr. Mike.  They seem to have trouble whenever they go through immigration!!
10.  Behave yourself at all checkpoints.  I have many friends who have experienced serious problems at Immigration in various countries.  Follow the rules, don’t joke around, and answer all questions honestly, and seriously.  This is one time a bad attitude will get you into serious trouble!

Strange Eats Across the Universe

Posted by golfkat on May 29, 2015
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment
Many of you have asked me about the food that I eat on my trips around the country and world.  Some things are fairly normal, and some are much different (read that as strange) from home.  We are very spoiled here in California, with the freshest of all ingredients, whether surf, turf, or earth.  Our fruit and vegetables are the best.  You can imagine that this is not the case in some places.

Surprisingly, the Third World countries have fresher food than many of the more developed countries.  The meat is butchered that morning, and the vegetables are harvested in the wee hours of the morning.  The food comes together at lunch or dinner, at a roadside home, food truck, or just a wide spot in the road.  Here are some of the most memorable:

1.  Durian in SE Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos).  Durian is known as the stinky fruit, as well as the “king” of fruit.  It is unique in its appearance and taste, which I compare to a cross between stinky sweat socks and rotten onions.  It has the consistency of custard, and resides in the center of a hard and spikey exterior in the shape of a rugby ball.

Image result for durianDurian

2.  Omul in Siberia (Russia).  Omul is a fresh water fish that is found only at Lake Baikal, often called the Baikal omul.  It is a whitefish species of the salmon family, and is considered a delicacy.  From my experience, smoked omul is quite good, and goes well with a cold beer.  Omul served in a restaurant is usually in the form of a saucy fish pie, for lack of a better description.  The smoked form is infinitely better, and purchased at open air markets.

Image result for omul Omul

3.  Snake in Hong Kong, and Colorado.  Many restaurants specialize in one particular type of “exotic” ingredient.  But, Chinese preparations take on the flavor of the sauce and accompanying ingredients, whether vegetables or spices.  The familiar phrase, “it tastes like chicken” is true.  However, rattlesnake in Colorado had the taste and consistency of canned tuna.

4.  Body parts of rodents in Chiang Mai (Thailand).  Whenever you order a bowl of noodles, it would be best to take a peek inside the bowl, or just go with the flow.  A tiny rodent heart helped form a delicious broth for our noodle soup was a big surprise to all of us.

5.  Rinones and mollejas in Buenos Aires (Argentina).  For those of you who do not speak Spanish, the body parts are kidneys, and thymus gland, aka sweetbreads.  When you dine at an Argentine steak house, be prepared to get a variety of beef parts.  Beef emporiums in Brazil tend to be a little more genteel.  Always drinks lots of red wine, malbecs in particular.

Image result for argentine beef cuts Show me the “beef”

6.  Larvae in Vietnam and Bangkok.  Beetle, silkworm, ant and sago larvae are in great demand, and considered a delicacy in most regions of the world, including SE Asia.  My particular version was caramelized in butter and sugar, and pour over a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Image result for edible larvae se asia  Street vendors have many types of larvae for sale

7.  Coulibiac in St. Petersburg (Russia).  This is a Russian pie filled with salmon or sturgeon, rice, mushrooms, onion, and dill.  It is baked in a pastry shell, which is often a true work of art.  I wish I could say it was delicious.  This is perhaps one of the best ways to ruin a good salmon or sturgeon.  It was so popular in Russia, that famous French chef Auguste Escoffier brought it to France and placed the recipe in his famous cookbook.  What a mistake!  Wash it down with a tall beer, several, in fact.

Image result for salmon pie russian  Salmon pie

8.  Haggis at St. Andrews (Scotland).  The home of golf is home to some very strange food, like blood sausage (aka black pudding) and haggis.  Haggis is pudding made of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs.  Also added are onion, oatmeal, spices, stock, and encased in the animal’s stomach lining.  You can blame the English for this creation, since the Scots invented golf, thankfully.  I did try it, as it appeared rather innocuous, but tasted lethal!  Never again.

9.  Bird’s nest soup at Chinese restaurants around the world.  The saliva from bird’s (swiftlet) nests are used to make this soup, a delicacy served at banquets, like weddings, Red Egg parties, and Chinese New Year celebrations.  The red next version is said to cost $10,000 USD.  Many stores in Asia are dedicated to selling just this single product!
Image result for bird nest soup
10.  Guinea pig or cuy in Cuzco (Peru), and Quito, Ecuador.  Leave it to my travel buddy, Mike, to eat this family pet not just once, but again in Quito.  The meat is quite gamey, and very greasy.  It certainly does not qualify as health food.  Locals say it tastes like rabbit.  Not!!
11.  Bush meat in Botswana (Africa).  Certainly, when on safari, you must try to eat what you have seen.  Also called game meat or wild meat, this includes:  wild boar, elk, gazelle, guineafowl, springbok, kudu, crocodile, and water buffalo.  We also tried the dried or “jerky” version of these meats, called biltong, various animals, and various flavors.  It goes well with beer.  BUT, infected bush meat was the cause of the 2014 Ebola outbreak!  My friend, Barry the V is the resident expert there.
Image result for springbok        springbok
12.  Whale meat at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo (Japan).  Purely by chance, the whale meat vendor overheard us talking to our guide about whale meat he was forced to eat in the school cafeteria.  The vendor promptly sliced a batch, poured some soy sauce over it, and let us eat several pieces.  Quite good, though whale meat is full of mercury and other toxins.
13.  Kangaroo, emu, and ostrich in Port Douglas (Australia).  These animals have no natural predator, and are eaten for fear of overpopulation.  The meat tastes mostly like a richer, redder beef medallion.  Again, grab your favorite red wine, and dinner is ready!
Image result for emu  emu
14.  Lutefisk from Kingsburg, CA and Scandianavia.  Yes, I grew up in a little town with about 3000 Swedes.  Lutefisk and Swedish sausage were a big deal.  This dried whitefish treated with lye was the “butt” of jokes throughout high school.  Why ruin perfectly good fresh fish?
Image result for lutefisk           Image result for lutefisk

Things I will never eat are balut or duck embryo (Philippines), bitter melon (any Chinese restaurant), sea cucumber (some Japanese restaurants), tarako or cod roe (Japanese restaurants), cobra blood and vodka (Vietnam), jellied moose nose (Alaska), fruit bat soup (Guam or Africa), and dried lizard (China).
I am sure I left off some perfectly good food.  Or worse yet, perhaps I left off things that I may not have recognized now or at the time.  But trying these things are part of the travel experience, getting close to the people and their culture.  It is a wonderful way to find out about someone else’s world.

Clark Center, Hanford

Posted by golfkat on May 25, 2015
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. Leave a comment
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Hanford was famous in the Sixties for being the home of the famous, five star, Imperial Dynasty restaurant.  It was known for their food, which drew the rich and famous from Hollywood, and Wall Street.  It would be rather common to see limos parked outside, party buses containing rich and famous people, or private planes at the Visalia airport. Sadly, the restaurant has been gone for some time now.  The restaurant was founded back in 1883 by Richard Wing and family.  It closed in 2006, with Mr. Wing passing on in 2010 at the age of 89.

But perhaps even better, the Clark Center has become equally or perhaps more famous. Founded in 1995, the Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture, their goal is to collect, conserve, study, and exhibit the art of Japan.  It is comprised of many famous works from the 10th to the 21st century in Japan.

  Clark Center’s 96 page catalog

From their website:  Through a significant gift of Japanese paintings from the Clarks, the Clark Center’s collection was established in October of 1995. Today, around 1,400 works of art like hanging scrolls, screens, ceramics, kimono, sculptures mainly from the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and decorative art primarily from the Meiji period (1868-1912) are housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Among the highlights of the collection are exquisite Buddhist sculpture and painting from the Kamakura period, a wide range of paintings from the Edo period (1615-1868), and a selection of folding screens of the finest quality. Exhibitions from the collection in Minneapolis, Minnesota are hosted in Hanford twice a year.

And sadly:  “The transfer of the Clark Center’s Japanese art collection to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) last year and the arrangement with GSBF and Shinzen, are two major steps to preserve the Clark Center’s legacy. The Clark Center’s Board of Directors has decided to host two final exhibitions of Japanese art in Hanford starting with 33 Dances: Japanese Calligraphy from the 16th to the 19th Century on September 2nd. From February through June 2015 we will host a last, exciting farewell exhibition of masterpieces from the Clark collections, curated by the MIA, after which the Clark Center will close its doors.”

Personally, I do not see the logic of placing Japanese art in a place like Minneapolis.  Of course, I wonder why it was placed in Hanford for that matter.  But it seems California would be the logical place, since many Japanese Americans live here, and the state is often visited by tourists from Japan and Hawaii.

Bonsai Garden Opening 2012 The Bonsai garden on the grounds of the Clark Center

The collection is nonetheless, quite impressive, with over 1400 works of art.  The final exhibition at Clark Center is called Elegant Pastimes: Masterpieces of Japanese Art from the Clark Collections at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The exhibition will cover a period of 1200 years, from the 8th century to 2013.  Though I know little about Japanese art, the collection is one of the best collections in private hands.

The Clark Center is located in Hanford at 15770 Tenth Avenue.  I suggest you visit before the collection leaves next month. While you are in Hanford, I suggest you visit the famous Superior Dairy (325 N. Douty) for their fabulous ice cream.  We have fond memories of stopping at Superior for ice cream cones after a dinner at The Pagoda or the Imperial Dynasty in Hanford.  I heard a rumor that Starbucks has purchased Superior.  Is that true, Alice?
Image result for superior dairy Is this Superior or ??

PS:  It turns out the Minneapolis Institute of Art was the only museum that did not ask for a large endowment to go along with this magnificent collection.  All the west coast museums wanted $$$.  Shame on them!!!!

Getty Villa and Museum

Posted by golfkat on May 25, 2015
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Travel. Leave a comment
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I have been to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, but cannot recall getting over to the Getty Villa, near Malibu, just down the street from dear friends in Westlake.  J. Paul Getty, as you know, was the wealthiest person in the world for a long time, before Wal-Mart, Microsoft, and Warren Buffet.  The museum has two campuses, the Getty Center (Brentwood), and the Getty Villa (Pacific Palisades).  The origins trace back to 1974, when Mr. Getty himself opened a museum on his Pacific Palisades property.  In 1982, the museum became the richest in the world, when it inherited $1.2 billion.  We are headed to the Museum today.  We will save the Villa for our next trip to SoCal.

060807-002-GettyVilla001.jpg  Getty Villa

As you might guess, and as occurs with other museums in the world, there are controversies regarding how the art works were obtained.  In other words, who holds the title to the art.  One of the previous curators, Marion True, was indicted on criminal charges in Italy for stolen antiquities.  Similar charges have been addressed by the Greek authorities.  Some antiquities have been returned, most notably in 2006.

When I was at the famous Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, I thought about the same thing.  Did Peter the Great obtain these things legally, through the black market or underground, or as the spoils of war and conquest?  It leaves me with rather mixed feelings, viewing some of the greatest art in the world, juxtaposed on war, death, theft, and deceit.

A Summary Catalogue of European Decorative Arts in the J. Paul Getty Museum was published in 2001. Indeed, some discrete works are provided with annotations, with comments like “possibly Paul Georges.”  I have never seen this type of annotation in a museum, anywhere in the world.

     

But, I guess I should just buck up, and accept that art has been this way much longer than I have been enjoying art.  I should just enjoy what I see, and focus on what I like.  Any ideas from you?  Since they do not charge admission, I am really not contributing to their possible criminal behavior.

National Bicycle Month

Posted by golfkat on May 14, 2015
Posted in: Action, Health, Sports. Leave a comment
Did April showers bring May flowers?  I think not.  But May does have 31 days, and it also has Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and National Bicycle Month.  It is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, and was started in 1956.  Thursday, May 14th, was also National Bike to Work Day.

There are so many reasons to ride a bicycle.  First, it is much cheaper than driving your car to work, to the store, or when you are just heading out.  Second, it is great exercise.  Third, it is affordable, once you procure a bicycle.  Bicycle commuting has taken off in recent years, perhaps due to higher gasoline prices.  The number of round trips made by bicycles in the U.S. has increased from 1.7 billion in 2001, to over 4 billion in 2009.

BFC stands for Bicycle Friendly Communities, of which there are many.  Moving here to the Fresno/Clovis area, I see much more bicycle paths and bicycle lanes on the roads than in the SF Bay Area.  Many BFC’s across the country have seen their bicycle commuter rates more than double since 2000.  California is in the top ten for bicycle friendly states, as you might expect.  We also have 55 BFCs, and 13 bicycle friendly universities, led by U.C. Davis.

For me, the two most important pieces of bicycle safety equipment are a properly fitted helmet, and brakes that work on demand.  I also wear bright colors, either neon green or bright orange.  I generally never ride at night, unless in a large group.  So, if you do ride at night, please have both front and rear lights.

One of the most frequent complaints from automobile drivers is the cyclists conformity to the rules of the road.  In both cases, drivers and cyclists, I think things have gotten better.  Many drivers give extra room to cyclists when they can.  Cyclists need to follow the same rules as a motor vehicle.  My best suggestion for both is the be predictable!  Do not make sudden stops or turns.

I have not heard of anyone getting a traffic ticket for breaking the “Three Feet” law.  But I have heard of cyclists getting speeding tickets, and for not stopping at a red light (or stop sign).  Meanwhile, cyclists are often “buzzed” by angry drivers, who speed, and drive within arm’s length of a law biding cyclist.

Changing gears, so to speak, I really enjoy the bike sharing programs prevalent in many communities.  I first tried one in Washington, DC.  And most recently, I used Velib in Paris, though it is not much fun to ride a bicycle in Paris traffic.  I even saw a bike sharing program in Quito, Ecuador two years ago!

Sidebar:  There is nothing more elegant than seeing the well dressed, stylish ladies on Hanoi, Vietnam, riding their bicycles and motorbikes to work.  They are wearing high heels, long wool coats, hats, and ready to work when they arrive!!!  I am impressed!!

There are many places a bicycle is not going to work.  One would be Venice, Italy with its waterways and cobblestone streets.  Another would be Anchorage, Alaska in the middle of winter.  But I take my bicycle whenever I take a car trip.  It works well in places like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, the central coast, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, and Sacramento.

This was the 21st Bike to Work Day in the SF Bay Area.  One of the most enjoyable parts of Bike to Work Day are the energizer stations, staffed by volunteers.  They hand out snacks, small bicycle related gifts, road safety brochures, and water.  More than one million people live within 5 miles of their workplace!  The work commute is only 23% of all trips, so going to the store, visiting friends, and other social events might be growth areas for bicycle rides.  In the Bay Area, 62,000 people bicycle commuted to work in 2013.

Many people, including myself, will tell you how much cycling has changed their life in a positive manner.  First, the exercise is highly cardio, and relieves much of the stress on joints caused by running and tennis.  Second, cycling enables you to see a wider perimeter of the areas that you live and work.  And three, I have made many new friends through cycling, and cycling groups.

Saturday, I am riding the California Classic with two friends, Jen and Jim.  It starts at Chukchansi Park in downtown Fresno, meanders down the freeway (168), out to the countryside on McCall, west on Belmont, and back downtown.  We are doing the mini metric (35 miles), rather than the metric (60 miles) or the century (100 miles).  My previous long ride was the Huckleberry 100 (I did the 50 miler) in Whitefish, Montana last fall.  The ride is mostly flat, and should be fine unless it rains or gets very warm.

Central Coast Facts

Posted by golfkat on May 12, 2015
Posted in: Travel. Leave a comment
Though I grew up in Central California’s great San Joaquin Valley, our family did not frequent the central coast of California very often.  Our summer vacations as kids usually meant a drive to Southern California to visit relatives, and go to Disneyland.  We did go over to the coast a few times, to clam or fish, see Heart Castle, or get out of the Valley heat in the summer.  It was mostly the more well-heeled people in our town that had summer cabins or homes on the coast.  That certainly was not us!
Image result for sideways movie Sideways (movie)

I do not know much about this area.  Let’s start with Paso Robles (Pass of the Oaks), which was established in 1870 by the uncle of outlaw Jesse James, Drury James.  A pianist named Ignace Paderewski brought zinfandel vines to his ranch in 1913, to start the industry here.  Today, Paso, as locals call it, maintains a Victorian era feeling with a cute town square, and a city ideal for a stroll.

Image result for paso robles Paso

The home of famous Cal Poly is located in the college town of San Luis Obispo.  Many of my friends have attended, and the father of a dear friend was the dean here.  Still quaint, and ideal for walking, the town is also close to nice beaches, golf, and of course, the wine region made famous by the movie, Sideways.  They have an 18th century mission, lots of old Victorians, and some areas worth exploring for tourists.

Image result for cal poly san luis obispo Poly

Pismo Beach has 23 miles of beautiful, white sand beaches.  It is the classic California beach town of the Fifties and Sixties, without the glamor.  I seem to recall lots of sand between my toes when walking around the city streets, Pismo Beach pier, and nearby sights.  It is the only beach that allows dune buggies and ATVs.  And dogs are welcome in this little town of souvenir shops and quaint seafood joints.  I guess it should be called the “poor man’s” Santa Barbara.  Our dog, Buddy loved the sandy beaches here.

Image result for pismo beach Pismo

The iconic Morro Rock means you have reached the ocean.  At 576 feet above the ocean, it is also home to a falcon sanctuary.  Kayaking, birding, fishing, and surfing are the main activities here, along with eating piles of fresh seafood.  Though it is often called the “Gibraltar of the Pacific”, it is not a British colony!  And you can always count on a good dose of fog and mist here, even on the warmest of days.

Image result for morro bay Morro Bay

You can’t go wrong in any of these four towns, since they are all close to the famous vineyards and wineries of the region. Just make sure you have a designated driver, and leave plenty of time for lazy afternoons for winery hopping.  Just be careful when the summer crowds arrive.

How to Be a Happy Traveler

Posted by golfkat on May 11, 2015
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Travel. Leave a comment
I am sure each of you have your own secrets and hints for others.  These are some of mine, borrowed, stolen, or discovered totally by accident. 

1.  Pack light.      This is just common sense. Not having to check luggage means zero chance of lost luggage, and being able to hit the ground running.  These days it also means not paying those pesky baggage fees.  How many times have I seen travelers unpacking (and re-arranging) their suitcases while standing at the check-in counter?  They look ridiculous, don’t they?  That has never been me, and it should not be you!

Image result for over packed luggage

In addition, light packers just seem to have fewer hassles.  And they are flexible enough to travel without every amenity known to man or womankind.  And they know things can easily be purchased or replaced at their destination.  Heck, I even forgot my golf clubs on one trip to Hawaii.

2.  Seek alternative paths         Not everyone wants to speed along the interstates at 80 mph, or try to set a land speed record in the snow.  Also, seeking local restaurants instead of chains is a big deal to staying happy and healthy.  Try being a little non-traditional.  Negotiate your hotel rate upon arrival, otherwise, just go across the street and try again.  It works almost anywhere in the world.  Getting away from the chain mentality usually means a closer reach to the culture of the area.

Image result for speeding cars

3.  Keep it simple.          Do not try to pack each day with multiple adventures.  One in the morning, one in the afternoon, and leave the evening free to rest or seek a more casual experience.  Rushing from one venue to the next is not fun or relaxing.  And make sure to use technology to make things a little more seamless.

Image result for rushing around

4.  Plan ahead.         Make sure you get to the major reason for your visit on the schedule.  The other things will find their rightful place, or get skipped for good reason.  I always have the Experience Music Project in Seattle on my list.  But if I find something new or more interesting, I can visit EMP on my next visit.  Focus, focus, focus.  And leave some time for something totally spontaneous.

5.  Minimize the cellphone         I cannot tell you how many people miss the volcano erupting or the whales frolicking because their nose is in their cell phone.  Turn it off, if you have to, or leave it in your room, backpack, or car.  You might even try to strike up a conversation with a stranger, as I did at dinner in Paris.

6.  Know your limits         I know that I cannot cycle a hundred miles a day.  So, why even try?  Even if you achieve your goal, you will probably be too tired the next day, or even injure yourself in the process.  The same goes for things like long hikes in the desert heat, long swims to secluded beaches or islands, or spending 8 hours building a home for Habitat for Humanity.

7.  Build in some free or down time        Save an afternoon or two for a nap, massage, or a relaxing activity that you would not otherwise consider.  While I love champagne, I did not try to hit four champagne houses a day!!!  And my liver appreciates it too!  An afternoon by the pool, or reading a book on the lounge chair is therapeutic in many ways.  And it is free!

Image result for nap time

8.  Expect the unexpected.     You never know what will or won’t happen.  Missing a train in Siberia, as I did, is one example.  Meeting some people, and following them in a different direction is another.  Be open minded, flexible, and you never know what can happen.  Try it sometime, I promise you will have an experience to share with others for the rest of your life.  A flat tire in Patagonia brings smiles and laughter every time I think about it.
9.  Locals Seem to Know    They will often steer you to their personal favorites, rather than the tour book favorites.  Just be sure they are not getting a cut of the action.  This is true in places like Vegas, Bangkok, NYC.  The best places are off the “beaten track”.  And if you are adventurous, you will find them completely on your own.
10.  Do some basic preparation    At the very least, know some of the local customs to avoid offending anyone.  Know the tipping policy, how to cross a street safely, where to change money, operating hours for public transportation, how to hail a cab, and most importantly, how to avoid the bad part of a city.
Have a great trip!

Amazon Direct Publishing (My Book on the Trans Siberian Railway)

Posted by golfkat on May 9, 2015
Posted in: Uncategorized. Leave a comment
Since my first book was such a great success, and failed to get on Oprah’s list, or any other list for that matter, I am trying something different.  Though I actually had friends and others who wanted to PAY to buy the book “African Adventures, Addis to Capetown” through Amazon, I preferred to give them away.  In fact, I still owe a book to my dear friend in Kuala Lumpur! 

So, to make it easier for you, and my wonderful reading audience out there. I am using Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for my next book, “Trans Siberian Railway Solo“.  So, I hope you are Kindle readers.  Or you can just go back to the well over sixty emails that I sent from Russia, and piece together your own book.

From Kindle:  Congratulations, your book “Tran Siberian Railway Solo” is live in the Kindle Store and is currently enrolled in KDP Select. It is available* for readers to purchase here.

Can you believe my list of published books becomes three?  I had a book published by the Health and Human Services back in the 70s, as part of a research grant.  Then, after a 35 year hiatus, I published a paper back book on my African journeys.  Now just a few years removed from that wonderful trip, courtesy of great friends, Mr. Mike, and Barry the V, I have published my book on the solo journey across Siberia on the train.  Though neither would go with me on this trip, they served as inspiration to accomplish something I have wanted to do for many years, and to do it in the style they would approve.

You will never guess the subject of the next book.  A few of you out there in my readership group have suggested the topic.  I have been reluctant to write it, since it sounds a little self serving.  But I think the value of sharing the information will outweigh any personal accomplishments along the way.

How to Be a Happy Traveler

Posted by golfkat on May 8, 2015
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Travel. Leave a comment
I am sure each of you have your own secrets and hints for others.  These are some of mine, borrowed, stolen, or discovered totally by accident. 

1.  Pack light.      This is just common sense. Not having to check luggage means zero chance of lost luggage, and being able to hit the ground running.  These days it also means not paying those pesky baggage fees.  How many times have I seen travelers unpacking (and re-arranging) their suitcases while standing at the check-in counter?  They look ridiculous, don’t they?  That has never been me, and it should not be you!

Image result for over packed luggage

In addition, light packers just seem to have fewer hassles.  And they are flexible enough to travel without every amenity known to man or womankind.  And they know things can easily be purchased or replaced at their destination.  Heck, I even forgot my golf clubs on one trip to Hawaii.

2.  Seek alternative paths         Not everyone wants to speed along the interstates at 80 mph, or try to set a land speed record in the snow.  Also, seeking local restaurants instead of chains is a big deal to staying happy and healthy.  Try being a little non-traditional.  Negotiate your hotel rate upon arrival, otherwise, just go across the street and try again.  It works almost anywhere in the world.  Getting away from the chain mentality usually means a closer reach to the culture of the area.

Image result for speeding cars

3.  Keep it simple.          Do not try to pack each day with multiple adventures.  One in the morning, one in the afternoon, and leave the evening free to rest or seek a more casual experience.  Rushing from one venue to the next is not fun or relaxing.  And make sure to use technology to make things a little more seamless.

Image result for rushing around

4.  Plan ahead.         Make sure you get to the major reason for your visit on the schedule.  The other things will find their rightful place, or get skipped for good reason.  I always have the Experience Music Project in Seattle on my list.  But if I find something new or more interesting, I can visit EMP on my next visit.  Focus, focus, focus.  And leave some time for something totally spontaneous.

5.  Minimize the cellphone         I cannot tell you how many people miss the volcano erupting or the whales frolicking because their nose is in their cell phone.  Turn it off, if you have to, or leave it in your room, backpack, or car.  You might even try to strike up a conversation with a stranger, as I did at dinner in Paris.

6.  Know your limits         I know that I cannot cycle a hundred miles a day.  So, why even try?  Even if you achieve your goal, you will probably be too tired the next day, or even injure yourself in the process.  The same goes for things like long hikes in the desert heat, long swims to secluded beaches or islands, or spending 8 hours building a home for Habitat for Humanity.

7.  Build in some free or down time        Save an afternoon or two for a nap, massage, or a relaxing activity that you would not otherwise consider.  While I love champagne, I did not try to hit four champagne houses a day!!!  And my liver appreciates it too!  An afternoon by the pool, or reading a book on the lounge chair is therapeutic in many ways.  And it is free!

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8.  Expect the unexpected.     You never know what will or won’t happen.  Missing a train in Siberia, as I did, is one example.  Meeting some people, and following them in a different direction is another.  Be open minded, flexible, and you never know what can happen.  Try it sometime, I promise you will have an experience to share with others for the rest of your life.  A flat tire in Patagonia brings smiles and laughter every time I think about it.
9.  Locals Seem to Know    They will often steer you to their personal favorites, rather than the tour book favorites.  Just be sure they are not getting a cut of the action.  This is true in places like Vegas, Bangkok, NYC.  The best places are off the “beaten track”.  And if you are adventurous, you will find them completely on your own.
10.  Do some basic preparation    At the very least, know some of the local customs to avoid offending anyone.  Know the tipping policy, how to cross a street safely, where to change money, operating hours for public transportation, how to hail a cab, and most importantly, how to avoid the bad part of a city.
Have a great trip!

Hardest Places to Visit

Posted by golfkat on May 6, 2015
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

Well, I went but it did not seem that difficult. It was just so different, but overwhelmingly interesting.

While there are dozens of flights to Russia these days, it appears the iron curtain is still up in terms of Russian bureaucracy — the back and forth to obtain a visa can take weeks, even months, and requires a LOI. If you’re lucky enough to get one, it only lasts for 30 days.

Image result for Trans Siberian railway

If just getting into Russia wasn’t enough of a challenge, you can up the ante by visiting Sakhalin Island. Seven times zones away from Moscow, getting there involves taking the Trans-Siberian Railway across the continent to Khabarovsk, switching to a ferry, then another train, and THEN back to another ferry. Or you could just walk around Red Square and save yourself the trouble.

And now for the most dangerous state to visit. Surprise, surprise.

South Carolina

•Violent Crimes per Capita: 0.00513
•Median Household Income (2009-2013): $44,779
•Persons below poverty level (2009-2013): 18.1%

With 4.8 million residents, South Carolina was named the most dangerous state by Wallet Hub. Here are other some other facts about the state.
•Property Crimes per Capita: 0.03663
•Fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles of Travel: 1.76
•Sex Offenders per Capita: 0.00304
•Youth Incarceration Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants: 235

I have been to SC at least twice, once for the Masters golf tournament just south of the border. And both visits included the wonderful and charming city of Charleston. But they have bad drivers, and troubled youth. That is a bad combination!!Image result for Charleston Image result for Charleston
I really cannot think of a bad place I have been, other than some ghettos and barrios here in the U.S., like Watts, east Oakland, old Harlem, south Chicago, or duh, downtown Baltimore. The townships in South Africa are not exactly uplifting either. Nor the favelas in Rio. What I really look for are the eyes and ‘soul” of the inhabitants. Do they appear happy or at peace with themselves? People in multi-million dollar mansions do not always have that same peace, smile, or happiness. I have seen some of the happiest people in grass huts in the hill tribes of Laos.Image result for Laos hill tribes Image result for Laos hill tribesWith the disaster in Burma, I cannot imagine that would be a safe or enjoyable place right now. Of course, the same could have been said for Hurricane Katrina, Haiti, Bangladesh, or central west Africa (ebola). We are so fortunate to live where we live. So, stop fighting in Baltimore, and Ferguson, and start living!