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All posts for the month March, 2019

Where Is Carmen San Diego?

Posted by golfkat on March 31, 2019
Posted in: Travel. Leave a comment
Carmen Sandiego is a series of American educational mystery video games which spawned an edutainment franchise of the same name. The game released in 1985, Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, triggered both the video game series and the franchise as a whole, which has continued up to the present day. Each game of the series has a particular theme and subject, where the player must use their knowledge to find Carmen Sandiego or any of her innumerable henchmen. This series was originally owned by Brøderbund, but is now owned by The Learning Company, whose latest release was Carmen Sandiego Returns in 2015. Since its initial release the series has won over 125 awards and accolades.
So, what is the object of the game?  The original version was released in 1985. The goal of this game is to track Carmen’s villains around the world and arrest them and later ultimately arrest Carmen herself. In order to make an arrest the user had to have a warrant for the correct villain. The player began the game by visiting the city and country where the crime took place, and then obtaining hints from the bystanders on where the thief went next, leading them on a chase around the world to find the thief before they “get away.” In the process, the player collected clues about the villain’s identity to determine who the culprit is. When the player reached their final destination, the player presented the accurate warrant to arrest the villain.
So, I never did find Carmen, nor did I ever look for her.  And I was never arrested, like Carmen.  Our trips to San Diego have all been fun.  It generally centers on my San Francisco Giants playing the local San Diego Padres, and enjoying the great seafood here.
But San Diego is the “All-American” city by many measures.  My big issue is with the large homeless population here.  The weather does attract people who are tired of cold weather.  And it looks like both the Harbor patrol and local police leave them alone.  The hepatitus outbreak a few years ago did exacerbate the issue to the front page, at least for a while.carmen SDgassolo1

San Diego, Diego!

Posted by golfkat on March 30, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
From 2012.
The eighth largest city in the US is San Diego.  It is also the site of a three game series between our San Francisco Giants, and the San Diego Padres.  I have attended games at the old Jack Murphy Stadium, now called Qualcomm Stadium over in Mission Valley. The climate is mild, the city/suburban area is close to Mexico, and the Navy has a presence, which began back in 1901.  Lately, biotech and golf club manufacturers have taken over the areas north of San Diego.  One of my favorite golf venues, Torrey Pines is located up the road in La Jolla.  It is always rated in the top ten public golf courses in the country.

I had an office here back in the 70s, as well as access to a company apartment, which I did not care for.  The office was in Mission Circle (Mission Valley area), near the shopping center, and most of the time, I stayed in a Mission Circle hotel.  It was only a ten to fifteen minute trip over to the San Diego Airport.  Not many people know that San Diego has hosted two world’s fairs, the 1915 and 1935, well before I was born.  I was responsible for setting up the professional relations department, which included peer review, provider relations, and quality assurance for our company.

Downtown San Diego, where I will stay on this trip, is the home of the revitalized Gaslamp Quarter, home to snazzy bars and restaurants.  And the new Petco Park is easily within walking distance from downtown hotels, the harbor, Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, and the San Diego Convention Center.  Both of my sisters have some history here.  One, lived just up the road in Del Mar with her husband Norm, and their two now grown boys.  My youngest sis graduated from San Diego State here in the 70s.

Obviously, the climate is a big deal here, as San Diego enjoys one of the most temperate climates in the world.  The population of 1.4 million would not trade it for the fog of the Bay Area, or the humidity of the east coast (or the smog and traffic of LA).  Median income is about $70,000.  It is also one of the ten safest cities in the US.  Tourism, the US Navy (largest employer), and the port are San Diego’s big three of commerce.  The border between Mexico and San Diego is the busiest international border crossing in the world.  But be careful if you decide to cross!

Among the leading high tech companies based here are Qualcomm, Nokia, LG, Kyocera, Cricket, and Novatel.  Among the leading biotech firms are Elan, Celgene, Neurocrine Biosciences, Nventa, BD Biosciences, Biogen Idec, and Vertex, and research organizations like the Salk Institute, Scripps Research Institute, the West Wireless Health Institute, and Sanford-Burnham Institute. Also, famous golf club manufacturer, Callaway is just up the road in Carlsbad.  In fact, I am currently playing Callaway irons that my son bought for me a few years ago.
The major sports teams are the NFL San Diego Chargers (now in Los Angeles), and the MLB San Diego Padres.  The current Los Angeles Clippers began their franchise here under the name of the San Diego Clippers, who moved here from Buffalo (Braves).  San Diego State University fields Division 1 sports teams.  And of course, the successful San Francisco Forty Niners head coach, Jim Harbaugh, learned his trade here at the University of San Diego.
Tourism is a major industry here, led by the great weather and beaches, followed by the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Sea World, and Balboa Park.  Old town San Diego is worth a stop, if for nothing else but a good southwestern or south of the border meal.  It is also a pretty good convention town with lots of great seafood joints, and lively bars, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown.  And do not forget to check out beautiful Coronado Island.
Anyone famous from San Diego?  Here are a few including Heisman winner Marcus Allen, actress Annette Bening, golfer Billy Casper, Hall of Fame hitter Ted Williams, Ted Danson, skateboarder Tony Hawk, NASCAR’s Jimmy Johnson, Gregory Peck, Tony Romo, the late Junior Seau, Craig Venter, Bill Walton, Pete Wilson* (one of my favorite Republicans, believe it or not), Raquel Welch, Eddie Vedder, Phil Mickelson, Ray Kroc, Wyatt Earp, Cameron Diaz, and Dennis Conner.
I am here only to cruise the Gaslamp Quarter, watch a few Giants games, and enjoy the great seafood and weather here in San Diego.  I may have ventured out to La Jolla, and Torrey Pines but the Giants have significantly improved from their lousy .500 start (equal wins and loses).  Someone also suggested I go out to the famous San Diego Zoo, more to practice my animal photography than anything else.  I think that is a great idea.
Mostly, Go Giants!!!!
 Fast forward to today:  I always enjoy attending Giants games at Petco Park against the Padres.  The weather is great, the ticket prices are better, and it is so easy to get around, not just to the game, but to many of the city’s best venues.  And the fresh seafood.
My friends, Julie and Jim are here too.
We actually once thought about relocating to this area.  But soon realized we had no support system, read that as friends and relatives.  The weather is great, but the cost of living has become very similar to Orange and Ventura Counties.  And the traffic is unbearable!
Let’s just say it is a great place to visit!  And a great place to see some Giants games.balboa parkpt loma seafoodNick Gayle

Best Spring Break: San Diego

Posted by golfkat on March 29, 2019
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
So, guess where the best spring break location is for 2019?  That’s right, San Diego.  Now, I just love San Diego, for many different reasons.  First, the weather is great.  Second, it is an hour flight away (or a 5 hour drive).  Third, it has some of everything:  major league baseball, beaches, golf, world famous zoo, seafood, other great food, dear friends (Julie), and great public transportation.  And perhaps important for spring breakers, it is affordable.
Often called America’s finest city, San Diego offers sunny weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a plethora of activities.  One thing rarely mentioned, is the safety of the area.  Among spring break locations, it is the safest, with only 19.3 property crimes per 1000 residents, and 3.7 violent crimes per 1000 residents.
I do associate San Diego with Pete Wilson, our former governor.  Republican governor.  But I liked old Pete, since he dramatically reduced the welfare rolls.  He was once politician who actually did what he said he would do!!!!
Flights to San Diego are relatively cheap.  Hotels, other than during big conventions are plentiful and relatively speaking, fairly priced.  The average round trip airfare to San Diego in March is $319!!!  Hotels average only $87 during the same time period.
For kids, Legoland, Sea World and the world famous San Diego Zoo are at the top of the list.  Even as an adult, I loved the Zoo, as much as my kids.  I have never been to Legoland, but I think many adults are “closet” Lego fans.
Other places to visit, most free, are Balboa Park, Little Italy, Gaslamp District, Old Town, the beaches, Tijuana, and the nearby wine region of Temecula.  And the ubiquitous beaches.  Always a great place to spend a few hours or the entire day.
Moving to food, the plentiful seafood in San Diego has always been a big attraction.  Much of our country’s seafood comes from the waters surrounding San Diego and Mexico.  And the productive valleys around San Diego provide fresh fruit and vegetables, almost year around.  And a good burrito is always just around the corner.  One of my favorites is Cucina urbana, not far from downtown, a short Uber ride away.  Their burnt Brussel sprouts and chipotle sauce are a perfect way to start, with a glass of Prosecco.
While shopping does not impress me much here, other attractions make up for the lack of great shopping venues.  The rich naval history in the area is most evident with the aircraft carrier, the USS Midway, once the largest ship in the world, and too big to transit the (original) Panama Canal.  San Diego remains the second largest surface ship base of the U.S. Navy.
But what makes San Diego the handiest and most likeable city is the close proximity of most of the city’s major areas.  Linked by the light rail, it is quite easy to get to Petco Park from almost anywhere.  Along the way, the rail passes Old Town, Little Italy, and Gaslamp, the trifecta of San Diego attractions.  And the people are nice, though the homeless problem continues.
So, rarely do I rent a car when I fly down here.  And I forgot to mention that Amtrak comes down here too, from almost anywhere in California.  The weather is great!  Why not?
So, where was/is your best spring break location?  And of course, why?

Only One Napa Valley

Posted by golfkat on March 14, 2019
Posted in: Food, Travel. Leave a comment
Have you ever noticed that most other wine regions compare themselves to the Napa Valley?  For good reason, Napa Valley wines are still the gold standard.  And while these other areas have excellent, even award winning wines, Napa is the glamor name through the years.
I much prefer Napa Valley as well, just because of familiarity, and comfort.  I know where to go, and what to eat.  I have cycled through the Valley since the 70s.  I love the vibe, despite the ridiculous prices of both wine and tasting options.  Go online, and it is not unusual to find wine tasting options at some Napa wineries over $100!!!!!  But best travel buddy, Mike and I were just talking this morning about this.  Why are they doing the money grab?  Because they can.  They get visitors from around the world, never been here before, never coming back.  Make them feel special by handing over $100 for “exclusive” tastings.  This is simply not the Napa Valley I once knew.  And the others are following suit, including the Central Coast wineries.
What can you do about this?  One option I use is to join my favorite winery’s tasting club.  In my case, I have been a member of Domaine Carneros Chateau Society.  It obligates me to buy two bottles of sparkling wine every other month.  But when I visit, my tasting is complimentary, and my food and other tastings are discounted.  And on weekends, we get to taste in their Member’s Club Room and terrace.  The other option is to just patronize the smaller guys.  Why should I pay for someone’s outrageous cost structure?
Another big issue is having a designated driver.  Sheri is my designated driver, I am fortunate she does not drink!  The highways are crawling with the local law enforcement people.  So, just be smart!
So, after a three hour champagne tasting at Domaine Carneros, we headed over to Hog Island Oyster in Oxbow for a Po’ Boy.  Then, off to dinner in Sonoma at the Swiss Hotel, with new friends.  I am still not sure the food was any better than the company!!!  It was a great time!
Dining here is another big plus, as there are no shortages of great places to eat.  Since I prefer casual, I usually end up at Mustard’s Grill in Yountville.  Good menu, decent prices, noisy, but always good food, and a nice wine list.  And parking on site, another plus.  We shall explore more of the “insiders” Napa on future trips.

See you there, despite everything I just said.  Good, bad, outrageous, it is still the one and only, Napa Valley!!

My Annual Dubs Trek

Posted by golfkat on March 13, 2019
Posted in: Action, Entertainment, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
Once a year, I pony up the greenbacks to attend a Golden State Warrior game at Oracle Arena in Oakland.  Curiously, I wonder how much the tickets will be next year at the new Chase Center in China Basin?
I have a difficult time understanding how people can afford tickets, much less season tickets.  I will not say how much we paid for the seats, but I have seen one way flights to Europe for less!  So, I only go to one game a year, with my buddy, Big Bob.  I watch the rest on TV.
I became a Warrior fan back in the 60s.  My first NBA game was probably the best game I have ever seen.  Why?  Our Dubs, with Wilt Chamberlain, played the multi time world champion Boston Celtics, led by local legend and Hall of Famer, Bill Russell.
Fast forward to the 1974-75 season when I went to many games, both regular season and playoffs.  How?  Nobody wanted to go back then, so season ticket holders would give the playoff tickets to us at no charge!
Fast forward again to today, and I just told you how much the tickets cost.  Parking is about another $25.  Add food and a beer for two guys, another $50 each.  Now my total expenditure is nearing a car payment for most people!!!  My sister and her husband are season ticket holders.  They are three sections away, so maybe we will see them?
But what the heck, these are the Dubs, who have won three of the last four NBA titles.  How much longer can the dynasty last?  Just last Tuesday night, the Dubs lost by over 30 points to the bickering Celtics from Baaahston.  This might be the last hurrah!
So, I will wear what few Warrior goods that I own, a shirt and a cap.  Maybe this will be the last game, maybe not.  Is the excitement of being at the game worth the hassle and the cost?  Sometimes.  Maybe driving to Sacrament or LA would be future options.
Only you can decide.  As for me, this might be it.
BTW, the Dubs drubbed the Denver Nuggets!

Addicted to Travel?

Posted by golfkat on March 9, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. 1 Comment
From Lonely Planet:

Sometimes we travel because we have to; perhaps we need to spend Christmas with relatives who live on the other side of the world or we have meetings in cities that aren’t our own. But most travel isn’t involuntary. Instead, we travel because we want to or because we want to explore someplace new. Because work is too much and we need an escape. Because we got a good deal on flights. Because we want to see April in Paris.

But is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Can this urge to fill in maps and charter new territory lead to an actual addiction? Is there such a thing as a compulsive urge to wander?

“In rare instances, yes, there is,” says Dr Michael Brein, a social psychologist who specializes

in travel and intercultural communication. “I know and have met many people, some of whom seemed to live to travel in such a manner that they could conceivably get themselves in trouble, for, say, running out of money.”

​I am not an expert on addiction, much less travel addiction.  But I do know how great it feels to embark on a trip, of any length or complexity.  I can get as excited about a drive up to nearby Yosemite, as I can about three weeks in Southeast Asia.  It is something fun to do, it breaks the daily routine, and I know I get new experiences, and knowledge.

The definition of addiction, in the medical world goes like this:  Addiction is a psychological and physical inability to stop consuming a chemical, drug, activity, or substance, even though it is causing psychological and physical harm.  The activity referred to traditionally would be gambling, eating or working.  Could it apply to travel?

First, I sincerely doubt is causes psychological or physical harm, unless repeated trips to dangerous places dominate the travel agenda.  But I think it can cause damage to personal finances, professional career, or personal life.  Travel is expensive, and time consuming.  It can detract from many daily and life responsibilities.

But I do think that many people are hooked on their devices, like smart phones, video games, and televisions.  I try to limit my phone usage, but it has become my main communication device.  It has my calendar, my phone numbers, my emails and email addresses, music, photos, and search engine.  It also stores much of my travel information, like hotel reservation, flights, and car rentals.

Nothing conclusive here, but I would like to hear some of your thoughts.  About the closest I have come to an addiction: golf, and good champagne, not necessarily in that order!

Ride the Blossom Trail

Posted by golfkat on March 8, 2019
Posted in: Entertainment, Food, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
The famous Blossom Trail here in Fresno County officially begins this weekend.  I will personally commemorate it by riding my bicycle on Saturday’s Blossom Trail Ride.  The official Blossom Trail begins in February and runs through March.  Nine valley cities participate in this annual event, including my hometown of Kingsburg.
The peak bloom period runs only about three weeks.  In general, pink blossoms are peaches, and nectarines.  White blossoms are almonds, plums and apples.  Some basic highlights of the trail include:
Simonian Farms, at the corner of Clovis and Jensen Avenues.  This fruit stand started back in 1901.
Heading east, the Blossom Trail Cafe sits just outside of Sanger, on your way to the Sierra foothills.
In the little hamlet of Centerville, the Fruit Station is a good first stop.
As a bonus this year, the Sierra foothills are covered in white.  Not blossoms, but snow!!
In Orange Cove, connect to the Orange Blossom Trail, if you prefer.
Turning south on Frankwood Avenue, hit the Cedar View Winery for some old world Tempranillo and Alicante Bouschet.
In nearby Reedley, let the kids ride on the steam train at Hillcrest Farms, in the middle of peach and plum orchards.
When you reach my hometown of Kingsburg, you can see the town’s main street decked out in its Swedish splendor.  No promises on whether the “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” will make her annual appearance.  Personally, I would visit the Sun Maid Growers Factory Store on Bethel Avenue and old Highway 99.
For those of you cartographically challenged, signs are posted all over the valley.  I have also included a map.
If you have never seen this spectacle, I suggest visiting now.  As for me, growing up here, as a kid, having to work on my Uncle’s farm, I never appreciated it the way I do now.
PS:  It is raining quite heavily here, so do not be surprised if I skip the ride!!!!almondsmapmore trailpeaches

Best Food Destination

Posted by golfkat on March 7, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment
Having traveled a goodly portion of the world, I can say that I do have a favorite food destination.  Some of you already know where that is.  It is not in the US or Europe, or in Africa.  That leaves Australia, South America, and SE Asia.  The answer lies, of course, in SE Asia.
Not to disparage Europe, Africa, Australia, or South America, your food is quite good.  In some cases, your food is quite interesting, affordable, and entertaining.  But is it ubiquitous?  I venture to say that almost any chance meal in SE Asia would be significantly better than a similar excursion in another country.
So, you are curious as to why?  Really, several reasons.
First, the prevalence of good food, in little store fronts, on the streets, hawker stalls, and humongous food malls.  SE Asia has that over every place!  Surprisingly, the US is second, not the other continents.  The whole food scene has changed dramatically here at home, with pop ups, food trucks, and incubators.
Second, the diversity of food culture is very important.  For instance, in Bangkok, I can find great Japanese or Korean food, tasty Chinese food, innovative Korean food, fresh seafood, and the good old American burger.  In a US food court, you might find Chinese, and possibly sushi, and Korean if you are lucky!
Third, is price, as in dishes under $5!!!!!!  Nowhere but in SE Asia is this the case.  Probably one of the best noddle dishes I ever had was on a hilltop village in Laos, where running water, toilets, and refrigeration were in short supply.  One of my best desserts was in a little place in Penang, fronted by a guy who could be a WWF champ!  Price is important!
Fourth, the unique flavors make the meal feel special.  We travel to find out something about the people and culture.  The food is a reflection of the people and their culture.  I want to learn more about them.  And about myself as well.  This is a good start!

Try Before You Die?

Posted by golfkat on March 2, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

 

I just love the title of this email.  What does it refer to?  Food, of course!  Both in the U.S. and around the world, we have encountered food that is so different, mostly culturally distinct, and often, downright strange.
The one that stands out for me is the king of fruit, the almighty durian.  I tried it on a Kuala Lumpur street corner about a decade ago.  I gagged, wanted to spit it out, and must have looked like I was going to barf.  They say it takes several tries before the taste is acquired.  It has not happened for me, and after three tries, I give up.  Much like Andrew Zimmern on Bizarre Foods, the gag reflex is just too strong.
We have tried cuy or guinea pig twice now.  Once in Cuzco, Peru, and once in Quito, Ecuador.  Both dishes were very greasy and gamey.  Perhaps if it was barbecued to well done, I would try it again.  The crispy skin that I see in photos looks inviting, despite my previous experiences.
Snakes have never appealed to me, live or dead.  I have eaten rattlesnake in Colorado, and some type of white meat snake in Hong Kong.  It is really no big deal, and tastes like chicken.  Or canned tuna in the case of the rattler.
Escamoles or ant larvae can be quite tasty.  I have tried them in the Mission district of San Francisco, as well as in Thailand.  In both cases, it was caramelized, then poured over ice cream.  Both times, I wanted more!!
Having tried poutine in numerous places, it just do not see what the big deal is.  Fries, covered with cheese curds and gravy.  It is hearty, rather fatty, but not difficult to enjoy.  I like the Charleston version better than the Montreal version.
When golfing in Scotland, we had to try both the haggis and the blood pudding.  Neither were very appetizing.  In fact, both were rather gross.  What a way to ruin a good day of golf, in the home of golf, St. Andrews!
Cheeses of various kinds were often difficult for me to eat when I was younger.  Not now!  I can eat most any kind of cheese, smelly or not.  Chalk it up to maturity?  We have even made our own cheese at a “farm to table” dinner in Washington.  And it goes great with my champagne.
Some body organs and parts of animals are acceptable, some not.  But when a tiny little two chambered heart was floating in my pho in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I was just a little surprised.  Over the years, we have seen plenty of other body organs.  Chicken feet come to mind whenever I get to Chinatown in any city.  And in Japan, they love the chicken combs on a stick, called yakitori.  I would call it Yukky-tori!!!
Many people I know still have a problem with taro root, or poi, as it is known in Hawaii.  It is an acquired texture, though without much taste, in my opinion.  I like it only when it is served with something very spicy or tangy.
Another strange thing occurs when I visit a foreign country.  They take certain food, and make something else out of them.  Have you seen a dessert soup made out of dried string beans?  Or ice cream ranging in flavor from avocado, corn, purple yam, or red bean.  Or an icy dessert (ice kacang) made with gelatin, sweet corn, ice cream, shave ice, and red beans.
Closer to home, foods like escargot and oysters tend to put many of our friends into a big “no way” Jose’ frenzy.  And even in some Asian restaurants, food like oxtails, chicken feet, pig’s feet, pig cheeks, menudo, sea urchin (uni),  and sea cucumber make some of you a little queasy.
But if you are willing to give me a chance, I think I can convert you.  I once took an old cowboy from Montana to a sushi bar.  He said there was no way he would eat raw fish.  By the end of the evening, he was sprouting gills!!!  So, never say never!

Seen on the Golf Course (Hawaii)

Posted by golfkat on March 1, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

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Here is an interesting article about two invasive species that are now used a food at some Hawaiian restaurants.
The two invasive species, kiawe (a type of mesquite), and waiawi (strawberry guava) are plentiful on many of the islands’ golf courses.  One native plant in particular, taro, used for making poi, is under increasing threat from these invaders.
As a result of colonialism, more than 500 species, including hoofed animals, and mosquitos,  have been introduced to the islands.  Waiawi came from Brazil via a horticulturist back in 1824.  They can take over a forest!  Many are saying Hawaii is the invasive species capital of the world.  After all, for 70 million years, it was relatively isolated.
I doubt we will be dining at restaurants that serve these two invaders. But you may see these as well as other invasive species on your island menus in the coming months and years.