Cultures

A Favorite Spot (Carmel)

Posted by golfkat on September 15, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

Visiting the little resort town of Carmel, and the Monterey Peninsula have been favorite places of mine since the late 60s.  Just a short drive from our (former) home in the SF Bay Area, it was a great overnight or weekend getaway.  By car, it is only about a 2 hour drive, south through Silicon Valley, and on down to the fabulous Monterey Peninsula.

Most parts of the area are dog friendly, rather pricey, but mostly picturesque, with postcard worthy scenery, great golf courses, and wonderful food.  I even had the opportunity to work at Pebble Beach in the 90s, staying in a company provided apartment, and eating free meals in the employee cafeteria at the Lodge at Pebble Beach.

We also made many friends there, John, Marci’a, Carol, and Nancy.  We learned some of the “secret” places where the locals hang out.  We got to partake of some free golf on world famous golf courses, like Pebble Beach, Spyglass, and Spanish Bay.  Many special memories were created here.

In recent years, we took our previous dog, Buddy, on our trips to Carmel.  He loved the white sandy beaches of Carmel Bay.  Now, we are giving our little Lexi her first taste of the Peninsula.  I can’t wait to take her down to the beach!

And don’t forget Seventeen Mile Drive, and the famous Lone Cypress.  We also enjoy the Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Taproom, Roy’s, and the famous bagpiper at dusk on the Links at Spanish Bay.  But there is nothing wrong with keeping it simple, and low cost.

Each of us have our reasons for declaring Carmel as our favorite spot.  We spent many days there for work, as well as some of our honeymoon.  It is certainly a romantic place.  But it is also great for outdoor activities, like golf, cycling, fishing, hiking, and wine tasting.  Is that a sport?

We also like to shop a little, both in Carmel, and the factory outlets in Gilroy.  We have a few friends left in the area as well.  We have stayed in some great places, like the Presidential Suite at Spanish Bay, as well as dog friendly roach motels.  At this point, it really does not matter.

A hint for some good, cheap, “on the go” eats:  head to the take out counter at Abalonetti’s on the Monterey Wharf.  The calamari and chips are just outstanding!!!

And a “secret” place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs and clothing?  Try the Pebble Beach outlet store on Cannery Row.  And if you are willing to drive out Carmel Valley, you will find the famous Robert Talbot’s factory store in a little village.  But who wears a tie anymore?

The best bakery in the area is Paris Bakery in downtown Monterey.  Not quite as good as the real Paris, but nevertheless, quite good, with a huge variety of pastries, bread, and deli items.

I can’t tell you any more secrets.  You will just have to discover your own!

So, we will spend a night here, before heading up to the Bay Area for a dinner party.  Many of you know that Sheri was part of a cooking show on a public access TV station in the east bay.  We will join the cast and crew for a evening of laughs, libations, and victuals.

 

Goodbye to the Greats (Singers)

Posted by golfkat on September 15, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Music. Leave a comment

With the recent passing of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, the subject of farewell tours comes front and center.  I always tell my friends to see the greats, while they are still alive.  We saw Aretha in 2015, on her last tour.  And it was a treasured performance.  Who else has fallen into this farewell tour goodbye?

Paul Simon is homeward bound.  Yes, the master song writer and singer has pulled the plug on a great career.  After seeing him a few times with Artie, his solo performances are even better, more entertaining, and certainly, more nostalgic.  We just saw him on his Homeward Bound Tour.

Elton John is another.  We saw him a few years back with he traveled with the well traveled Billy Joel.  And yes, both voices were over the hill, but not their charisma.  It was entertaining, especially when both of them were on the stage together.

Neil Diamond finally made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  But I have enjoyed his music for decades, with my favorite, “Sweet Caroline” leading the way.  We saw him numerous times, he was one of the first to use lasers during his show.  He was a great showman, and could get even the more hard core guys and gals standing and swaying to his many hits.

Never cared much for Kenny Rogers, or his chicken.  I saw him once in Vegas or Tahoe, certainly a mere shell of himself now.  Maybe his chicken is better than his singing?

Only one guy left with Lynyrd Skynyrd, that one being Gary Rossington.  A bare bones show up at Ironstone Vineyards up in Calaveras.  Loud, but not much in the way of artistry or for that fact, good memories.  It is a good time to hang it up!

I never saw Anita Baker, but what a voice!

One of my all time favorites, Joan Baez, led the way through protests, anti-war and peace movements, and just plain great songs about this wonderful country of ours.  She still has a great voice.  She could motivate a crowd to sing and better, to believe!

I can skip Motley and Aero, never did a whole lot for me, even in their prime.  They are just doing a money grab now, like Nike with the Kaepernick ads.  I expect some other greats to retire from touring soon:  Carole King, Judy Collins, Billy Joel.  Heck, I even saw Elvis back in 1971.  I regret not seeing the Beatles at Candlestick.

Many others have passed on, or barely hanging on.  So, the point to all of this is to go see them while they are still performing!BUSH FRANKLINOn the set of The Blues BrothersAretha Franklin, James Brownpaul simon1neil d

My Geography Class

Posted by golfkat on September 14, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. Leave a comment

On our first assignment in my Geography class at the local community college, the prof asked, “What is geography?”

Rather than provide the correct textbook answer, I provided my own.  He must have liked it since I got a good score.  I wrote:  “Geography means to dream about places to visit, looking at maps and wishing to be there.”

As a kid, we had a great set of encyclopedias.  The maps and countries associated with them were in full color.  They seemed to invite me to the places I was reading about.  Little did I know, back then, I would become a world traveler, of sorts.  My brother said I should just teach this class myself!!!!

 

Yes, there are places I would not go.  But many more places where I would go.  Note:  The above wooden map, one of my few prized possessions.

I was asked to list my favorite trips (in no particular order).  Here they are:

  1. Across Russia on the Trans Siberian Railway
  2. Driving Chile from top to bottom with my travel buddy, Mr. Mike
  3. Visiting the Amazon rainforest in Peru
  4. Safaris in Africa and a visit to Barry the V in Cape Town
  5. Tasting champagne in Champagne, France
  6. Visiting Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo
  7. Viewing the Aurora borealis inside the Arctic Circle in Alaska
  8. Jetboating in Queenstown, New Zealand
  9. Amtrak across the U.S. (many times)
  10. Crossing Checkpoint Charlie into East Berlin in 1971.
But perhaps, a little deeper into travel and geography, are the reasons why I, and many of you, travel.  It is not just to see the place or famous site.  It is about the people we meet along the way.  Sometimes strangers, sometimes a guide who becomes a friend, and other times, a well constructed meeting.  Who might some of these be?
  1.  Angela in Kuala Lumpur
  2. Jason and Chin in Penang
  3. Roath in Siem Reap, Cambodia
  4. Cesar in the Amazon
  5. Barry the V, all over the world
  6. Itsuyo in Tokyo
  7. Carlos in Mexico City
  8. Aram in Toronto
  9. Michael on the Trans Siberian
  10. Kavita at Wimbledon
  11. Tom and Sohbee in Shanghai
  12. Rimma in St. Petersburg
  13. Danny in Bangkok
  14. Kelsey in Chelsea
I am sure there are many others I have left off.  My apologies.  How about closer to home?
  1. Dirty Pat in Nawlins at Super Bowl 47
  2. Ginny in Washington, DC
  3. Megan in Bigfork, Montana
  4. Wendy, Michael, and Tanya in Seattle
  5. Max and Marilyn on the VIA Canadian
  6. Rey and Corinne in Kauai
  7. Ken and Debbie in Vegas
  8. Leicey and Ben in Honolulu
  9. Jeff and Lori in Reno
  10. Marci’a in Carmel
  11. Ric from LA
  12. Savannah from Arroyo Grande
  13. John from Scottsdale
  14. Mel from Sacramento
Again, I have left many of you out, for that, I am sorry.  And I also left out our great National Parks, most of which I have visited west of the Mississippi River.  My favorites:  Bryce Canyon, Arches, Yosemite, and Jellystone.  Ask Yogi and Boo Boo about that one!
All of you, and others, are what make my trips special.  There are sights that must be seen, like the migration on the Serengeti, or the vast ruins of Angkor Wat.  But the people create the lasting memories, the good times, some fun and crazy evenings, but mostly good friendship.
Here is to all of you!!!!

Love a Good Book (Store)

Posted by golfkat on September 14, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Hobbies, Travel. Leave a comment

These were touted as being among the most unique bookstores:

Harvard Book Store: Cambridge, MA

Locally owned and independently run since 1932, Harvard Bookstore (harvard.com) has become known as a Harvard Square landmark. Stocked with an extraordinarily diverse selection of new, used, and remaindered books, you’re guaranteed to find something of interest here. Don’t miss the beloved used book basement, where the walls are plastered with old newspaper clippings, book covers, and bookmarks, most of which were found by the staff in the previously read books. The store hosts an award-winning author series with more than 300 author events a year, and a Signed First Editions Club. For writers interested in self-publishing, they also have a print-on-demand machine on site that can print books in the store at an affordable price.

I was just at the Harvard bookstore last July.  I was particularly interested in the print-on demand machine, but it was broken.  Perhaps an omen?  The store also has great clothing, school supplies, periodicals, and items of general curiosity.

And my all time favorite:

Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, City Lights is one of the few truly great independent bookstores in the United States, a place where booklovers from across the country and around the world come to browse, read, and just soak in the ambiance of alternative culture’s only “Literary Landmark.” Although it has been more than fifty years since tour buses with passengers eager to sight “beatniks” began pulling up in front of City Lights, the Beats’ legacy of anti-authoritarian politics and insurgent thinking continues to be a strong influence in the store, most evident in the selection of titles.
 The nation’s first all-paperback bookstore, City Lights has expanded several times over the years; we now offer three floors of both new-release hardcovers and quality paperbacks from all of the major publishing houses, along with an impressive range of titles from smaller, harder-to-find, specialty publishers. The store features an extensive and in-depth selection of poetry, fiction, translations, politics, history, philosophy, music, spirituality, and more, with a staff whose special book interests in many fields contribute to the hand-picked quality of what you see on the shelves.

I am not sure if I love the history more than the books themselves.  One other great feature:  the store is close to many great places to eat, nearby Chinatown, and North Beach.  You can choose, Chinese food or Italian.

Perhaps the best place to spend a rainy day is the famous bookstore in Portland, Powell’s.

Powell’s Books is an independent bookseller serving Portland, Oregon, since 1971. We’ve grown to employ over 530 people across five Portland-area stores and Powells.com, and our book inventory exceeds two million volumes. In spite of our substantial size and reach, we remain grounded by our company’s core values, which have guided us through the ups and downs of the bookselling industry. Each and every employee’s love of books drives us forward.

We have an especially intimate relationship with Portland — what other city in America can name a bookstore as its top attraction? We host over 500 author events a year, in addition to children’s story times, writing workshops, game demonstrations, and book clubs. Through Powells.com and our expansive online community, we also reach readers around the world, people who are as excited about books as we are.

Powell’s claims to be the world’s largest independent bookstore.  I can hardly argue with that statement.  But the thing I like best about Powell’s??  They place both used AND new books on the SAME shelf!!!!  Yes, a used one might reside next to a new one.  Who does that?  Only Powell’s!!!!!

Another favorite:  The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store. Currently in our third incarnation, we began in a downtown loft in Los Angeles in 2005. That’s when owner Josh Spencer took his decade of experience selling everything from cars to clothes online and focused instead on his first love: books. During the revitalization of downtown LA, we grew quickly to our current 22,000 sq. ft. space in the Spring Arts Tower at 5th & Spring.

The name was chosen with irony, but seems more appropriate with each passing day as physical bookstores die out like dinosaurs from the meteoric impact of Amazon and e-books. We continue to BUY, SELL, and TRADE like we have from day one. In addition to over 250,000 NEW and USED books on two floors, including our new Arts & Rare Book Annex, our shared space includes tens of thousands of VINYL RECORDS and GRAPHIC NOVELS, a huge mezzanine level that includes the Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore, Gather Yarn Shop, and the Spring Arts Collective gallery shops.  Truly something for everyone.

Somehow we became one of the largest independent bookstores in the world still standing. We continue to be amazed at how we got here. It’s ALL thanks to people like you who want to keep actual books and records existing in the world. Join the cause — visit us soon!

My only problem with the place is it has a rather confusing layout.  It is also very dark and musty, like an old bookstore should be!  You may find a hidden gem here as well.

So, there are places better than Amazon to find books.  These are just four.  And they are definitely more fun than shopping on the Amazon website!!!harvardcity lightslast bookstorepowells

Serious Travel Money Savers

Posted by golfkat on September 14, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

I always see plenty of advice, online, about saving on airfare.  But there are other ways to save, and enjoy yourself along the way.  You will meet more people than the standard tour.  My “do it yourself” tours always yield some great stories, and new friendships.

Overnights    I do not spend the night in airports at my age.  I did once upon a time.  But a cheap alternative is a first class seat on an airplane or train.  Meals and brinks included!

Gym  Always ask if the hotel has a gym or access to a gym club nearby.  Often both are free.

Food  Breakfast is getting more common these days, just don’t get ripped off like I did in Munich a few years back.  $22 Euro  was a very mediocre breakfast!  Happy hours inside the hotel are often free or at a reduced price.  If oyu upgrade to the Club Floor, both breakfast, and evening happy hour are usually included, and done quite well!

Taxi and Uber  Needless to say, skip the taxi and go with Uber.

Walk This is a great alternative, unless you have too much baggage, which leads to my next money saver.

Baggage  Carry on is usually free or cheaper.  Mostly, just limit yourself to ONE bag, one that you can handle without help!!!

Public transportation  I always choose this alternative if I can.  It is usually cheaper, and often saves time as well.  I rarely rent a car anymore on my trips both in the US, and over the oceans.  Hawaii might be the only place now where I rent a car for a week!!

Low cost airlines  Before you decline this option, I have used EasyJet, Ryanair, and soon, Air Asia.  They have convenient flights, though often at “alternate” airports, like Gatwick, instead of Heathrow.

Hostels  Again, I am getting too old to climb up a bunk and share a room with 10 people.  But hostels do sometimes have private rooms with bathroom.  I stayed in one while in Dublin, in a great location.  It was walking distance to Templebar!!!!

Alcohol  The easiest solution is to go to happy hours.  If you have not already figured that out, well, too bad for you!

Snacks  I bring along a few basics, like my own home made trail mix, and maybe an energy bar or two.

Baggage  Do the carry on for trips that are shorter, or where bag charges are ridiculous. I hate waiting for my bag, even when there is no charge!

Tips  I always carry about 50 or so one dollar bills whenever I go overseas.  And about twenty $5 bills.  You will never forget a tip, and you will never be in danger of over tipping!!!

Music and Theater  Mostly it depends on what you want, but matinees are always cheaper. Buying in advance, online can also save time and money.

City Tours  Find the “free” tours done by locals and students.  They are much better than the commercial tours, and they force you to walk!!!  Just remember to tip after, based on how good the tour was.  You will also garner some great local information, like where to eat, drink, or party.

Care Rentals  Forget about it, this has become the biggest increased expense in travel.  I say, ue Uber, cab or walk!!!

Hint:  Always ask for the senior discount!!!!

I am sure you have your own little insights into this topic.  Feel free to share them!

 

It’s a Bike Deal

Posted by golfkat on September 14, 2018
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Health, Sports. Leave a comment

Here are a few bike facts and feats for 2018:

Fastest circumnavigation by bicycle (male)

British ultra-endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont finished an around-the-world trip on his cycle in 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes. He became the first person to achieve the feat in under 80 days.

It is fitting then to take a look at the most expensive bikes ever sold or made around the world.
  • Butterfly Trek Madone – $500,000.
  • Trek Yoshitomo Nara – $200,000.
  • Aurumania Crystal Edition Gold Bike – $114,400.
  • Trek Madone 7 – Diamond – $75,000.
  • Rare Tiffany & Co. …
  • Chrome Hearts X Cervelo $60,000.

I wouldn’t pay that much for a car, why would I buy a bicycle at those prices???

Fastest?  John Howard, Olympic cyclist and Ironman triathlon winner, reset the record to 244 km/h (152 mph), also at the Bonneville Salt Flats, on 20 July 1985. Fred Rompelberg from Maastricht, Netherlands is the current holder of the motor-paced speed world record cycling with 268.831 km/h (166.9 mph) since 1995.  I met John back in the 70’s.

Most Powerful:  Ever wonder what kind of power the top sprinters in the world can generate? After gathering metrics from the top cyclists in the world in 2017, it was determined that Peter Sagan unleashed his best sprint of the year on stage five of the Tour of Switzerland. The three-time world champion rode at 1,220 watts for 18 seconds, topping out at 1,417 watts with a speed of 47.5 miles per hour for the highest output of any professional for the year.  In contrast, I can only do about 19 mph.

But this is totally crazy:  For anyone who watches the Tour de France, you can imagine how grueling riding 2,200 miles over three weeks can be. Two-time cancer survivor James Golding recently put this total in perspective by riding 1,766 miles in one week. Golding slept for five hours each day and averaged more than 250 miles per day.  Crazy man, crazy!!!

I knew about a man, Jim Rogers, who drove an old Mercedes sedan around the world.  But on a bicycle?  Though the previous record was 123 days, 34-year-old Mark Beaumont set a goal of 80 days for his round-the-world trek and knew he needed to average 240 miles per day to reach his goal. By the time he arrived in Paris, he was one day ahead of schedule, cycling the 18,000-mile route around the world in a truly amazing 79 days. Beaumont rode his bike 16 hours per day and slept an average of five hours per night. During his trip, he also broke another record — riding the highest recorded mileage for a month at 7,031 miles on his way from Paris, France, to Perth, Australia.

I have no desire to set any cycling records.  But this one just makes me dizzy:  When Kurt Searvogel broke the 75-year-old annual mileage record by riding 75,065 miles, few thought it would soon be conquered. But in 2017, 24-year-old Amanda Coker rode her bike the equivalent of four times around the earth, smashing the previous record by riding a whopping 86,500 miles from May 15, 2016–May 14, 2017. What makes the record more amazing is Coker rode all the mileage on the same seven-mile loop around Flatwoods Park in Tampa, Florida. She rode the loop almost every day, averaging about 13 hours and 236 miles in an effort to raise money and awareness for those who suffer from traumatic brain injuries.

I have given thought to riding across parts of the U.S.  I no longer have those thoughts, ever.  But this?  Many cyclists complete the annual Race Across America (RAAM), but no one has done it as fast as Christoph Strasser from Austria. Riding from Oceanside, California, to Annapolis, Maryland, Strasser completed the trek in 7 days 15 hours and 56 minutes. Strasser was also the first cyclist to break the eight-day barrier, and his average speed of 16.42 miles per hour is also a record.

So, you see, riding my 25 to 35 miles each day is no big deal.  It gets me moving, and I feel good after.  I have met some really wonderful people on two wheels.  And I have seen some pretty terrific scenery as well.  My favorites?  How about the countryside in Vietnam, the dikes of Amsterdam, the vineyards of Napa Valley, and the red rocks of Sedona?

 

Woman riding bicycle with her legs in the air

National Dog Day

Posted by golfkat on September 14, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment. Leave a comment

Well, well, what is next?  National Dog Day is today, August 26.  I saw a bunch of dogs parading around ATT Park at the Giants game on TV today.  All of a sudden, they showed hundreds of dogs, sitting in the centerfield bleachers with their owners.

Personally, every day is dog day in our home.  Lexi, our mini Labradoodle, gets most of the attention around here.  I really do not think she needs a “day” to emphasize her importance to us.  She makes us happy.  And she is the happiest little girl we have ever seen!

National Dog Day (NDD) was created in 2004, by animal activist Colleen Paige.  It is celebrated on August 26th.  This day is meant to celebrate all dogs, whether AKC breeds or mutts and fosters, and everything in between.  Why?  They are mankind’s best friend, of course!

Among the many contributions dogs make to us, first is comfort and amusement.  Dogs are mood elevators.  The dog’s need for exercise keeps us moving, and focused on the great outdoors.

NDD suggests many ways to celebrate today:

  1. Teach your dog a new trick.
  2. Play outdoors with your dog.
  3. Get your dog groomed. (coming up on Thursday)
  4. Treat your dog to a new leash, collar, or toy.
  5. Volunteer or donate to a dog welfare organization.  (We did that yesterday to animal rescue Fresno)
  6. Consider adopting a dog from a rescue organization or shelter.  (We have in the past, twice!)
  7. Take pictures of your dog and post on social media. (Never done that!)
  8. Take your dog to a “yappy” hour.
  9. Host a dog party.
The top dog-loving states are:  California and New York at 88%, followed by Washington, Tennessee, and Florida.
Fully, 86% of us tell our dogs that we love them, at least monthly.
And 73% of us buy our dog a toy or gift monthly.
Can you believe 68% of dog owners allow their dog to sleep with them at least once a month?
Nearly 70% of dog owners would rather spend time with their dog than you.  And for you singles out there, nearly four women in ten would rather spend time with their dog than dating.  For men, it is only 23%, but still rather surprising!
In conclusion:  a dog is a man’s (woman’s) best friend.  Don’t forget it!!!
The photos:  our little Lexi, then Buddy, and then little Beau.

lexi 7-162014-03-08 Buddy2015-12-11 Beau