Our President, Joe Biden does not drink alcohol. The first photo is part of the White House wine cellar. But how many Americans drink alcohol, and how many drink wine?
Fifty percent of adult Americans don’t drink wine. According to the latest Wine Market Council Alcohol Consumer Report, a fourth of the U.S. adult population abstains from alcohol completely, mostly due to religious reasons. Another 26% of adults choose to drink beer and spirits over wine. Only about 14% of U.S. adults consume a majority of the wine in the country, even though the U.S. is the third-largest importer of wine by volume in the world. Hard to believe! According to Winespeed.
Speaking of drinking, never underestimate (per Winespeed) Costco. Alcohol sales at Costco in 2020 were $5 billion, nearly double the amount ten years before. Retail stores that sell alcohol have benefitted dramatically as wine, beer, and spirits sales have shifted away from restaurant dining during the pandemic. Costco has 559 store locations in the U.S. and is the largest retailer of wine in the country.
Annual global alcohol consumption is 6.4 liters per person over the age of 15. Moderate drinking for healthy adults is one drink for women, and two drinks for men. I don’t know why the difference, other than men are larger?
A heavy drinker is considered to be 15 drinks per week for men, and 8 drinks per week for women.
The average wine consumption in the US is almost 3 gallons per resident. This amounts to over a billion gallons of wine!
During the pandemic, wine consumption was down 3%, hard to believe. The U.S. is still the largest wine consuming country in the world.
But I am strong proponent of responsible drinking. This means absolutely no driving or cycling while consuming alcohol. And it means moderate drinking in social situations as well.
If you are taking drugs for blood pressure, cholesterol, or depression, I highly recommend abstinence.
I always try to keep my every day wine and sparkling budget under $20. Since I enjoy my sparkling wines, this always “limits” my choices to a sparkling wine other than champagne. But it does not mean that I must sacrifice taste and enjoyment when I drink other sparklings. Plus, why open a bottle of $60 to $100 bottle of champagne when I can only drink about half of it each evening?
Most of you know I am partial to both sparkling wines, called cremants, from Loire, and our own California sparkling wines. In most cases, the cremants are in the $9 to$14 range, and the California sparklings are in the $30 to $40 range. If I spread the cost over two evenings, my investment is minimal.
One big change has occurred in Italy, where Prosecco rose’ is now legal, as of January 1. Prior to this, “Prosecco’s Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status didn’t allow for rosés. Wineries found a work-around by labeling pink fizz as spumante, but no longer. New regulations allow for actual Prosecco rosé, as long as it’s made from Glera (the grape of Prosecco) plus 10% to 15% Pinot Noir (hence the color). The Prosecco consortium estimates that total production of Prosecco DOC rosé may climb to 30 million bottles per year; cue the cheering from rosé and Prosecco fans alike.”
While I still prefer cremants and California sparklings over Prosecco, there are some reasonably well priced ($12-16) bottles. I tried one from Trader Joe’s, but was not impressed. Perhaps you have tried one and can recommend it to me.
A good every day Napa Valley sparkling is the NV Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Sonoma Valley at only $22. For a brut rose’, try the NV Scharffenberger Brut Rose’ Excellence ($23).
If you want to wander off the beaten path, try one of these:
NV Steller’s Jay Sparkling Rose’ ($27) from the Okanagan Valley (BC)
Really offbeat: 2017 William Chris Vineyards Petillant Naturel Rose’ Texas ($25)
France’s Limoux region has been making sparkling wines as early as 1531. The Aimery cremant de Limoux is a bargain at $14. It has become my every day sparkler.
My special occasion California sparkling wine is a Domaine Carneros brut ($24) or brut rose’ ($33), the Laetitia Vineyards (Arroyo Grande) brut ($29) or brut rose’ ($35).
And my special occasion Champagne is Taittinger Brut La Francaise ($50), and the Taittinger Prestige Rose’ Brut ($65). And when things get really crazy, the Comtes brut rose’ ($260), but usually in a nice restaurant. I was in Amsterdam and shared a bottle with a local television celebrity and his wife.
But whatever you do, and whatever your budget, enjoy what you like. I am only offering suggestions, or what works for me. Taste, affordability, and bubbles are the three key ingredients to my bubbly obsession.
Travelzoo had some interesting information about San Diego’s Little Italy. It has increasingly become one of my favorite places in the city. Let’s see why. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. The Saturday street market is one of my favorite events here. But any day is a good day here.
Thanks to waves of Sicilian and Ligurian immigrants who began building up San Diego’s tuna fishing industry in the 19th century, Italian culture figures prominently into the local mix, too. And as you might guess, Little Italyis the best place to find the vestiges. But as you might not guess, it’s also one of the best places to go for ground-breaking, news-making cuisine—plus some of the chicest décor and design shops in town.
For a quick historic overview, check out a few of the longstanding fixtures—from Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church (the nearly century-old spiritual heart of the neighborhood) to theWaterfront Bar and Grill(said to be the city’s oldest continually operating tavern, where Italian fishermen would relax after mending their nets outside the front door) to Mona Lisa Italian Foods (the old-school, family-run deli and restaurant whose sandwiches and slices are legendary).
You’ll also want to check out a few modern nods to the neighborhood’s Italian heritage: Piazza della Famiglia (a 10,000-square-foot plaza where you can enjoy takeout treats from the new Little Italy Food Hall), the more intimately scaled Piazza Basilone (a tribute to WWII Medal of Honor Recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone); and—on Saturdays—the Little Italy Mercato (a vibrant, open-air market).
But you’ve got to show up prepared for at least two meals: ideally, an old-school Italian lunch, followed by a long promenade—this would be the time to work in a visit to the chicKettner Arts & Design District—and topped off with dinner at one of the city’s buzziest modern restaurants. These include Juniper & Ivy, Herb & Wood, Ironside Fish & Oyster (noticing a theme?).
In keeping with the alfresco theme (because every restaurant we’ve mentioned offers some version of it), wine lovers should make time to pull up a seat outsideM Winehouse—a beloved wine bar that occupies the neighborhood’s oldest house: a tiny Victorian beauty that dates to 1888 and makes for the perfect place to toast to your neighborhood discoveries.
I love what the Little Italy Association says: “Our business district is rooted in the toil of immigrants and the perseverance and optimism of a new group of business owners. The strength of their faith and our proximity to the waterfront is what has supported families in Little Italy for generations.”
The city streetcar passes within a block or two of Little Italy. Parking is rather difficult unless you are willing to pay. My suggestion is to go for lunch, when it is less crowded. The area is clean and safe. You will find some rather eclectic dishes. I am still not sure about combining sushi with burritos. Just remember, you can always go to the beach!
Every Saturday, from 8am to 2pm, the Little Italy Mercato takes over four blocks (West Date Street) in the neighborhood. Over 85 vendors participate. Of interest to me are the food vendors, as well as the fresh fruit vendors. They even have a dog park!
I am here Tuesday to Thursday, so no Little Italy Street Market on this trip. But I get to see a long time, dear friend, see a few ballgames, and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather.
With so much emphasis on the pandemic and its effect on the Olympics, very little is said about the country itself in the Olympic Games. Japan first participated in the Games in 1912. It was held in Stockholm, and Japan sent only two athletes. One was a sprinter (Yahiko Michima), the other a marathoner (Shizo Kanakuri), but neither won medals. Mishima made the semi finals, but Kanakuri did not finish his marathon.
With the popularity and proven skills of Naomi Osaka, it is no surprise that Japan’s first Olympic medal was in tennis at the 1920 Games in Antwerp, Belgium. Seiichiro Kashio and Ichiya Kumagae won silver in the doubles, with Kumagae winning another silver in singles. Osaka is the top-rated player in the world, and not coincidentally, the highest paid athlete in the world.
Overall, Japan has won 439 medals, including 41 at the recent 2016 Games in Rio. And twelve were gold! Japan has not fared as well in the Winter Games with only 58 medals. Judo, as you might expect, is Japan’s most successful sport, with 39 Gold, out of a total of 84 medals. In Rio in 2016, Japan won 12 gold, 8 silver, and 21 bronze, finishing 7th in the medal race.
Japan’s first gold medal was in the Triple Jump, Mikio Oda in 1928. This was in the Summer Games in Amsterdam in 1928. Fellow countryman Yoshio Tsuruda won a gold in swimming at the same games. Many Japanese Americans have participated in the Olympics and won medals.
Japan has hosted the Olympics three times before, Tokyo Summer Games in 1964, and the Winter Games in Sapporo in 1972, and Nagano in 1998. The men’s and women’s marathons will take place up north (500 miles) in Sapporo, where it should be much cooler. This is the second time Tokyo has hosted the Paralympics, with the first back in 1964. Tokyo was scheduled to host the 1940 games, but with the threat of war, the Olympics were moved to Helsinki. But the 1960 Tokyo Games were the first to be broadcast internationally, with some events in color.
The Japan National Stadium is made of wood, sourced from all 47 of Japan’s prefectures. The Games are focused on sustainability, as even the beds in the Olympic Village are made of cardboard, which will be recycled.
So, who will carry the Flags for Japan in the Opening Ceremony? One very familiar name is NBA and former Gonzaga basketball star, Rui Hachimura. The other is Yuri Susaki, and two time wrestling world champion. I would have chosen Naomi Osaka and Hideki Matsuyama (winner of the Masters). BTW, this is the first time in Olympic history that both a man and a woman will carry their country’s flag in the Opening Ceremonies. Japan will have 580 athletes marching behind this pair.
This year, the 5000 medals won my athletes from around the world are made from precious metals extracted from disused electronic devices. People in Japan were asked to donate disused electronics, like cell phones, for two years. Almost 79 tons were collected.
With much attention placed on both American Jesse Owens and the despotic Hitler, people have long forgotten the plight of a Korean runner, Sohn Kee-Chung. He won the marathon in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but was forced to run for Japan, under the name of Son Kitei. Why? Korea was under the colonial rule of the Japanese Empire. The IOC corrected both is name and country in 2011.
Four new sports will be introduced in these Olympic Games, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing. Baseball and softball will make a comeback from 2008. But how many will we see live with a 13-hour time difference? As far as television, Swimming is the most watched sport, with nearly 1000 competitors from 170 countries.
Gymnastics is always popular, from the days of Olga and Nadia, and now Simone. Track and Field has over 2000 competitors, from 200 countries, in 47 events. Basketball and soccer are generally popular events, but if the American teams lose early, interest could wane.
Ralph Lauren is providing the opening ceremony unforms, basically blazers shoes, and even a mask. But the unform features a cooling jacket, battery powered devices that create a cooling sensation on the back of the neck.
With both competitors and others falling like flies with Covid, I wonder if the Games can continue and for how long? Masks will be worn by all competitors, officials and press. Food is already an issue as well. And the great stories and experiences in the Olympic Village will be very different this year. Testing will be daily.
Japan has experienced almost 15,000 deaths due to Covid, and 842,000 coronavirus cases.
Yes, these Games will be different. But for athletes who have worked so hard for the last four to five years, it is the opportunity of a lifetime.
If you did not already know, the Napa Vine Trial is a 47-mile walking and cycling trail, linking Vallejo with Calistoga, basically the entire Napa Valley. I have ridden portions of this trail several times, There are still sections that need development.
Background: In 2008, the Napa Valley Vintners, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the Land Trust founded the Vine Trail Coalition. The Napa Valley Vine Trail will be a 47-mile walking & biking trail system to physically, artistically and culturally connect the entire Napa Valley from Calistoga to the Vallejo Ferry and the greater Bay Area.
Beginning near the Ferry Terminal in historic Vallejo (thus linking with the greater Bay Area), the Vine Trail will continue north for 47 miles, through the world-renowned vineyards and towns of Napa Valley, to its northern gateway in Calistoga at the Oat Hill Mine Trail (Hwy29 at Silverado Trail) at the foot of Mount St. Helena.
The Napa Valley is world-famous above all for its vineyards and their appellations. To reflect this unique sense of place, we have organized the Vine Trail route into 10 SECTIONS, each named for the city or vineyard AVA (American Viticultural Area) the trail passes through. From north to south, these are: Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, Oak Knoll District, City of Napa, Vista Carneros, American Canyon, and Vallejo. The 47-mile Vine Trail route has been mapped and its ten sections are in various stages of design or construction as shown on the above map.
I love the southern section, from the Napa Golf Course, up to the city. The section through the city has many city street crossings, without lights or stop signs. Then from Trancas Avenue north, the trail is separated from road traffic. Much of it runs parallel to the Napa Wine Train. The Trail currently ends in Yountville.
I fully support the Vine Trail effort. The people who are the “brain child” of this are both highly skilled and politically savvy people. I admire their efforts. I donate to the Vine Trai every year.
We will be cycling the Trail this weekend, and perhaps add some wine tasting and visit with dear friends.
Travelzoo had some interesting information about San Diego’s Little Italy. It has increasingly become one of my favorite places in the city. Let’s see why. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. The Saturday street market is one of my favorite events here. But any day is a good day here.
Thanks to waves of Sicilian and Ligurian immigrants who began building up San Diego’s tuna fishing industry in the 19th century, Italian culture figures prominently into the local mix, too. And as you might guess, Little Italyis the best place to find the vestiges. But as you might not guess, it’s also one of the best places to go for ground-breaking, news-making cuisine—plus some of the chicest décor and design shops in town.
For a quick historic overview, check out a few of the longstanding fixtures—from Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church (the nearly century-old spiritual heart of the neighborhood) to theWaterfront Bar and Grill(said to be the city’s oldest continually operating tavern, where Italian fishermen would relax after mending their nets outside the front door) to Mona Lisa Italian Foods (the old-school, family-run deli and restaurant whose sandwiches and slices are legendary).
You’ll also want to check out a few modern nods to the neighborhood’s Italian heritage: Piazza della Famiglia (a 10,000-square-foot plaza where you can enjoy takeout treats from the new Little Italy Food Hall), the more intimately scaled Piazza Basilone (a tribute to WWII Medal of Honor Recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone); and—on Saturdays—the Little Italy Mercato (a vibrant, open-air market).
But you’ve got to show up prepared for at least two meals: ideally, an old-school Italian lunch, followed by a long promenade—this would be the time to work in a visit to the chicKettner Arts & Design District—and topped off with dinner at one of the city’s buzziest modern restaurants. These include Juniper & Ivy, Herb & Wood, Ironside Fish & Oyster (noticing a theme?).
In keeping with the alfresco theme (because every restaurant we’ve mentioned offers some version of it), wine lovers should make time to pull up a seat outsideM Winehouse—a beloved wine bar that occupies the neighborhood’s oldest house: a tiny Victorian beauty that dates to 1888 and makes for the perfect place to toast to your neighborhood discoveries.
I love what the Little Italy Association says: “Our business district is rooted in the toil of immigrants and the perseverance and optimism of a new group of business owners. The strength of their faith and our proximity to the waterfront is what has supported families in Little Italy for generations.”
The city streetcar passes within a block or two of Little Italy. Parking is rather difficult unless you are willing to pay. My suggestion is to go for lunch, when it is less crowded. The area is clean and safe. You will find some rather eclectic dishes. I am still not sure about combining sushi with burritos. Just remember, you can always go to the beach! Every Saturday, from 8am to 2pm, the Little Italy Mercato takes over four blocks (West Date Street) in the neighborhood. Over 85 vendors participate. Of interest to me are the food vendors, as well as the fresh fruit vendors. They even have a dog park!
I am here Tuesday to Thursday, so no Little Italy Street Market on this trip. But I get to see a long time, dear friend, see a few ballgames, and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather.
I wrote this in 2008. My how things have changed! I wish I could be in Tokyo for the Summer Olympic Games. Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world. I love the culture, the food, and the people. And it is my motherland, as both sets of my grandparents immigrated from Japan.
The photos here are: Naomi Osaka, Jenna Prandini (from Clovis), and Sunni Lee.
Here is a rather old email on my Olympic experience. I mentioned in a previous email that I attended the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. I was not able to get any tickets ahead of time and had given up any hope of attending. But I was able to find someone whose daughter worked for an Olympics hotshot in LA. I was able to get tickets for the Tennis at the new UCLA Tennis Center in Westwood, and the Boxing at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, in downtown LA. I passed on track and field since it centered on the decathlon only for that day.
I was able to get a flight down to LA in the early morning. My friend Brad picked me up at LAX, and we headed for Westwood. There was very little traffic, since the Olympic Organizing Committee encouraged people to work flex hours, take time off, or work from home. Much like what you saw in Beijing, the air got remarkably clear, and traffic was very light.
The UCLA campus is a beautiful campus, set in the hills of Westwood, not far from Beverly Hills. The new Tennis Center was built and ready just in time for the Olympics. We saw several morning matches, then headed out to Westwood for lunch. Although this place is gone, we had lunch at a nice place that sort of pioneered the concept of a group table. And of course, we had our obligatory beers for lunch. Brad could take two bottles of beer, and down them both in one swoop. It is impressive and earned us many free drinks over the years. The first time I saw him do it was at the famous San Francisco fern bar, Henry Afrika’s.
Anyway, sufficient lubricated, we headed back to the tennis venue, and spent a pleasant afternoon in the tennis stands. Tennis was a demonstration sport at that time. I can’t remember who played, but the big stars were Stefan Edberg and Steffi Graf, who both happened to win Gold Medals.
But the real highlight of the Olympics was the torch lighting ceremony several days before this. The final torch bearer, and the one who lighted the Olympic flame was Rafer Johnson. He won the 1960 Olympic Decathlon in Rome, and he was from my hometown of Kingsburg, CA. He was a great athlete. Many people forget that he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams and lettered in basketball for John Wooden at UCLA. He also made the Olympic track team as a long jumper. Perhaps he is best known for being with Bobby Kennedy in LA when he was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan.
We had the same teacher for World History. Murl Dodson was also Rafer’s track coach in high school. He was the coach who figured out that Rafer had the talent for the decathlon in the first place. If you ever met this guy, you would have a hard time believing he could coach or teach anything. He was a dumpy looking man, who lectured in a monotone. Nice man, but the coach of a world class athlete?
One thing that went on was creative on the part of Olympic ticket holders. A hotel near the Forum in LA was designated as a place to buy, sell, and trade tickets. We went over there and sold a bunch of basketball tickets that we didn’t need. We were headed for the boxing, and the spotlight was on Evander Holyfield, who became the world heavyweight champion after the Olympics.
After dinner, we headed over to the Sports Arena for the boxing. We were able to park on the street and walk just a few blocks to the Arena, thanks to Brad. But first, we had to stop at a sports bar along the way. Brad had to do his two-beer bottle chug one more time for me.
When we found our seats, we could see the movie stars had front row seats. The only one I could really see well was Kirk Douglas. But the excitement was similar to the big fights that you see on tv or closed circuit from Las Vegas. Each country had a section with fans dressed in their country’s colors, and waving flags. It was very exciting.
As Evander made his way to the ring, the crowd was in a frenzy, as he was heavily favored to beat his opponent. This was the semifinals, and he was boxing a relatively unknown New Zealander. Somewhere in the 2nd round, chaos broke out. Someone made a sound like a bell, but the round was not over. Evander knocked the guy out instantly. Confusion reigned for it seemed forever, and finally he was disqualified. The referee was from a Soviet bloc country. He paved the way for the Yugoslav in the other semi to win the Gold medal against this unknown New Zealander.
That was a very sad end to my visit to the Olympics. As we left the Coliseum and Sports Arena complex, we saw all the flags flying over the Coliseum. It really did feel like the Olympics. As Brad dropped me at the airport, we both realized we had seen a slice of history. Time will tell if we get another chance.
Fast forward to July 23, 2021. After a year delay, the Games are destined to proceed, with or without Covid. I pray for the safety of everyone involved. And that Japan will shine despite the resurgent virus. Maybe I will get to the next Olympics, or better yet, perhaps the Winter Games?
Like Robert Frost’s road less traveled, your travel costs can be reduced by three simple ways. I always try to book direct, use alternative travel, and use my reward points and miles whenever possible.
Booking direct often yields a few nice surprises. One would be better availability of room choices, discounts, and upgrades. For instance, if you join Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott sends periodic upgrades to use with any reservation. So, why not get that larger, quieter corner room, rather than the small, noisy room near the ice machine or elevator? Most direct sites, like airlines, hotels, and excursions offer better cancellation or postponement options.
When I booked a non-refundable stay in Munich for the Oktoberfest (it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021), I was able to salvage the reservation. I moved it forward another year, and though I had to pay the difference in price, I was able to keep the $500 stay for the next Oktoberfest.
Many of my flights to Europe, and within Europe were either credited, or rebooked with no additional costs. Surprisingly, United has been great about this, as have many smaller European based airlines, like Ryan, Aegean, and Croatian Airlines.
Alternative travel is something I enjoy more than most travelers. I love taking the train, having crossed the US on Amtrak several times. I love the Eurail Pass, as well as Japan’s JR Pass for the bullet train (Shinkansen) and the Trans Siberian Railway across Russia. Also, faced with having to retrace my flights back to Buenos Aires from Ushuaia, Mr. Mike and I opted for a 12 hour bus ride back to Chile. With Uber and Lyft available, I rarely rent a car.
I have a dear friend, Katy, who lives on the road permanently. She only flies when land options are not available. I am sure she has seen and experienced life that most of us will never see or experience. I envy her lifestyle.
Reward points are just one of life’s great bonuses, for free stays, upgrades, and discounts. I use my airline points for upgrades to Biz or First Class. I use my hotel points for stays when the price is high or the rooms in great demand (around a big event like the Super Bowl, Wimbledon or the World Series). This works well for major holidays, as long as the room is booked well ahead. And the hotel programs, like Hilton, Marriott, or IHG seem to always offer discounts.
Of course, word of mouth is often the best way to save. When I left Athens for Santorini, I asked my driver for a good hotel in the best location. He suggested the Hotel Byron in Plaka, where I got a room for about $300 for 6 nights!!! And never underestimate the staff at hotels, for insights into tours, and sights to visit. I made a customized wine tour through my hotel waiter in Santorini. He doubles as a wine guide in the afternoon. We put together a tour of three wineries, each offering something different, a new one, and old one, and an artsy one.
Bottom line, talk to people, be resourceful, and above all, do not be afraid to take a chance!!!
I answer this question in the affirmative, a big YES!
From Ann Jones of Shermans Travel: A 2021 study in the journal of Tourism Analysis shows that frequent travelers are happier with their lives than people who don’t travel at all. The study results indicate that respondents attaching personal importance to tourism are more likely to gather travel-relevant information, therefore are more likely to go on vacations than those who are not often thinking about their next trip. It is also found that frequent travelers are more satisfied with their life.
I think about not only my next trip, but often into the next year!
Art Markman, Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas, explains that there is a growing body of evidence that shows purchases of experiences (like vacations) have a more lasting impact on people’s happiness than purchases of material goods. “The travel experience itself is often enjoyable. In addition, it increases the bonds among the people who go on the trip. Finally, vacations create happy memories that can also boost well-being in the future.”
So, do you buy the $6000 bicycle or take the Trans Siberian Railway across Russia? More from Markham:
People often travel to cities or beautiful areas of the planet that allow them to see wonderful sights firsthand. The pictures and memories of those experiences can create lasting happiness.
Travel can bring family members together as well, which can create additional memories that are shared at later gatherings.
I love taking photos while on my trips and sharing them, along with daily emails to my friends and family. Some of my best times are sharing stories with friends and family.
We know that planning a vacation can spark joy. Research shows that the anticipation of future travel can increase happiness–and this looks to have increased during a global pandemic. In a nutshell: There’s a newfound appreciation for travel. A new study from the Institute for Applied Positive Research found that booking travel generates happiness and can alleviate stress and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, 97% of survey respondents reported that having a trip planned makes them happier and that 74% of respondents reported that planning something would make them feel more in control amidst so much uncertainty.
Yes, like most of you, I stayed home during the pandemic. In fact, for over a year, I did not leave the county!! But I continued to gather information for future trips, plan, and hope. Hope is a wonderful thing, according to Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption.
Want to feel happier? Pack that suitcase and start planning–and then begin traveling.
Since I have been vaccinated, I have been to Scottsdale for Spring Training and Washington, DC for the cherry blossom. In May, I went to Poland, Germany and Greece. Am I happier? Yes, of course!!!
While I do not attend so many classical music concerts lately, I had enjoyed my visits to some of the world’s most famous concert halls. These would include: Royal Albert Hall in London, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA, Wiener Musikverein in Vienna, the Bolshoi in Moscow, the Mariinsky in St. Petersburg, Carnegie Hall in NYC, Sydney Opera House, and the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest.
In no particular order, here are a few of my thoughts and experiences.
My first real concert, other than the old San Francisco Opera House (before Davies Hall) was at Royal Albert Hall in London. We had to queue around the building for hours ahead of the concert. So, I found some friendly Aussies with beer and a deck of cards! The performance, which was both long and tedious was the Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) Symphony. And since we had the “cheap” seats in the center of the Hall, we had to stand for the entire concert, except for intermission, when we sat on the floor! Royal Albert (opened in 1871) is also where the Beatles first performed in London (1963), once they became famous. Unknown to many, Muhammad Ali fought here three times, Sir Winston Churchill spoke here sixteen times, Albert Einstein campaigned for world peace in 1933, and opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 in memory of Prince Albert.
The Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg (opened in 1860) was a most curious event, since it featured a trombone solo. Making this event even worse? I attended a concert in Ann Arbor, MI by the University of Michigan band, also featuring a trombone solo, just a month before. What are the odds? And yes, trombone solos are ODD!
Nothing could be more eclectic than the concert by the “Lost and Found Band” at the famous Sydney Opera House (opened 1973). Lost and found means they made musical instruments out of items found in the trash bins of Sydney. But I think just being in the famous Opera House overshadowed the rather eclectic offerings of this true “garage” band. Notable guests include: Nelson Mandela, Michael Buble, Paul Robeson, and of course, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
In Budapest, free concerts are offered on a regular basis. Just collect a ticket for Liszt or Bartok during the day, and show up at 7pm that night. Simple, right? Not really, since most places in the central district don’t start serving dinner until 7 or 8pm. After a delicious roast duck dinner, I walked into the State Opera House as an encore was being played! What did we do? Just headed to the nearest bar, and enjoyed ourselves.
Growing up as a kid, we always heard about Carnegie Hall. It was and still is, the dream of aspiring musicians around the world to appear at Carnegie. Just my luck it was being renovated on my last trip there. What did I do? I went instead to the famous Carnegie Deli and had a huge, corned beef sandwich! Performances include: Simon and Garfunkel, Dave Brubeck, Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys.
But the most curious of all concert halls is the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA. I have been in several other Gehry designs, like the Seattle Music Experience Project (EMP), now called MoPop. Most interior portions are very traditional, but the exteriors are always strange. He even designed the Brain Center near downtown Las Vegas. I think it looks like someone’s brain, after being scrambled in a concussion!
Left off of this list, for some reason, is the famous and probably most acoustically perfect concert hall in the world, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (opened in 1888). There is not a bad seat, at least acoustically, in the entire hall, whether on the main floor or upstairs. Free concerts are given every day at 1pm. The place is simply perfect! It is home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
But no matter where you go, the bottom line for me in the performance itself. I don’t choose the performers based on the concert hall. After all, why sit through TWO trombone solos when many better choices exit? But once in a while, the concert hall becomes an obsession.
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