Entertainment

I Never Knew about Russia

Posted by golfkat on October 22, 2019
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Leave it to “Travel Trivia” to come up with  facts we do not know about Russia.  Having crossed the entire country, from Vladivostok to Moscow, and on to St. Petersburg, I can tell you this is a big place.
Perhaps most noticeable, particularly in the big cities, women outnumber men by a large percentage, only 87 men for every 100 women.  Why?  World War 2 was particularly devastating to Russia.  But the real reason could be Russia’s love affair with vodka!  One in four men will die before their 55th birthday.  This is among the highest mortality in the world.  I can attest to this, as the big cities are teeming with women walking around in groups, old and young.  Where are the guys?
Most of the population lives in urban areas.  With over six million square miles, the majority of land is uninhabited.  About three-fourths of the population lives in urban areas, mostly west of the Urals.  Novosibirsk, the third largest city, has 1.1 million residents, while Moscow has over 10 million.  My question is why would anyone live out in the middle of Siberia?  Obviously, not many would!
The Moscow subway system is impressive, both artistically, and functionally.  The subway carries about 2.4 billion people each year. London Underground carries 1.3 billion by comparison.  And it is the most beautiful system I have ever seen or ridden.  Many stations are designated national cultural heritage landmarks.  I have one pictured above.  I agree!  Their engineering is impressive!  And the trains run quite efficiently, and ON TIME!!!!!
Also, hard to believe that Russia has twelve active volcanoes.  They sit along the Pacific edge (Ring of Fire).
While I did not visit the coldest city in the world, Oymyakon, I did visit many cold places, even though it was May.  The town is one of the most remote in the world.  Temperatures can reach -88 degrees F, with the sun shining for only 4 hours each winter day.
Whether you blame Putin or Trump, Moscow has more billionaires than any city in the world.  They have 84 billionaires with an average net worth of $4 billion.  Only 26 live outside of Moscow.  The city is so congested, wealthy residents rent ambulances to drive them to their destinations!
Can you believe Russia has a plan to link Europe to the U.S.?  After all, we are only 2.5 miles away at our closest border.  The Russians want to build a superhighway, connecting Europe, Asia, and the U.S.  The highway would span 12,400 miles, and also have a high speed rail network!
While I do not need to go back, I enjoyed my trip across Russia on the Trans Siberian Railway.  It was an experience of a lifetime.  I strongly suggest you visit someday, maybe after Putin and Trump are gone.Komsomolskaya Metro station in Moscow, Russiarussian girlswinterMoscow3 153

Color Me East Coast

Posted by golfkat on October 10, 2019
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I have lived in California my entire life, though some of you would find that hard to believe.  I once considered moving to the DC area, to take an “important” government job with the Department of Health and Human Services.  Perhaps my career would have taken an entirely different path from what it was, perhaps not.  I also considered attending grad school at Johns Hopkins and Harvard back in the Seventies, though both would have been cost prohibitive,  Over the years, I spent a great deal of time here, in consulting roles, as well as being a tourist in this great mecca of history and government.
Now, I sincerely doubt I would have enjoyed the cold and snowy winters,, much less the hot and humid summers.  But I cannot help but think that my career would have been quite different, though not sure if it would be better or not.  I never considered myself much of a bureaucrat, and certainly not a government flunkie.
My old friend from San Jose, Norm Mineta carved quite a career for himself.  He not only served as a multi term Congressman, but also was appointed to W’s cabinet.
Through the years, on numerous visits, we have seen it all.  We have enjoyed the great museums, theater, music, cherry blossoms, Fourth of July celebrations, and wonderful friends.  We got to attend my grad school classmate’s retirement ceremony, from a career (culminating as the Surgeon General) in the US Public Health Service.  We saw the cherry blossoms on peak bloom day.  We saw Stevie Wonder at the Capitol Fourth celebration on July 4th.
Now, I am here mostly to see dear friends.  I will take advantage of my time here, with visits to my favorite places, the Newseum, and the American History Museum.  But I will spend a majority of time just wandering around this great city.  I am certain I can find something interesting.  And as always, I had lunch in Georgetown at Clyde’s.  It is something I do

on every trip here, dating back to the Seventies.  A real plus was dining at the highly acclaimed Momofuku, originally in NYC, but now here!  What a treat.

My friends here have carved out wonderful careers.  In some ways, I envy them, but I know my time for “fame and fortune” have passed.  But both Ken and Ginny have been quite successful, know everyone in this city, and are just the most wonderful people I know.
So, on to Chapel Hill and Durham (Duke University) to see another dear friend, on Thursday.  Otherwise known as “Tobacco Road”, I will bring my mask and oxygen tanks (just kidding!).  Why did I ever do my post-graduate work here?  Because I got a scholarship, and they have great golf courses (Pinehurst).  Truthfully, I was not lured by the basketball or the furniture!
It has been a wonderful few days here, much too hot and humid for this spoiled Californian.  Let’s see what NC has in store.

Weird Washington

Posted by golfkat on October 9, 2019
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Over the years, some strange things have happened here.  Though nothing too strange has ever happened to me here, let’s see if I can find something out of the ordinary.
Check out the DEA’s bong collection.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operates a small museum off its lobby, where exhibits on psychedelics and undercover agent paraphernalia (including a 1970s pair of green snakeskin platforms used in Detroit) supplement a whopping display of bongs and clandestine pill presses. The museum plans to close in late 2019 for an extensive, year-long renovation.  I might check this out!
Dogs at the Congressional Cemetery.  Yes, that is a dachshund snuffling around J Edgar Hoover’s tombstone, while a black lab lopes over the final resting place of composer John Philip Sousa. That’s because the Congressional Cemetery – a burial ground of famous Washingtonians since 1807 – doubles as a members-only dog park.
The U. S. Botanic Garden is an often overlooked place.  Seek out the Amorphophallus titanium, a flower whose name translates to “giant misshapen penis”, and whose erotic blooms smell like rotting flesh.  Yuck!  I think I will skip it.
The National Museum of Health and Medicine is sure to have some “hairy” displays.  How about a hairball found inside of a twelve year old girl?  Or even more strange, the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln, encased in remnants of his skull.  Again, I will skip it!
Senate bean stew:  According to legend, either Senate Democrat Frank Dubois or Republican Knute Nelson loved the soup enough to request it be available every day at the Senate dining room, where it’s stayed on the menu for more than a hundred years.The soup’s ingredients include creamy navy beans, pig knuckle meat, butter, and chopped onion. On occasion, mashed potatoes make an appearance. The soup is homey and filling, if not glamorous. But this is the Senate, and lobbying may have solidified its presence. According to a longtime New York Times photographer, midcentury navy bean lobbyists bought the soup for the press and senators. The soup arrived “whether you asked for it or not.”   Maybe?

The National Academy of Science has an interesting statue in the south west corner, that of the great Albert Einstein.  He is depicted on a three step bench, his left hand holding a paper with mathematical equations, summarizing three of his most important contributions, the photoelectric effect, the theory of general relativity, and the equivalence of energy and matter.  Ponder that while you look for the best food trucks in the DC area!!!

Welcome to Hotlanta!

Posted by golfkat on October 6, 2019
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My first trip to Atlanta was back in the 80s as I recall.  I was attending a convention, then on my way to the US Open Tennis in NYC (1982).  I was greeted by my friend, Ken Bob at the airport, along with a large cooler of ice cold beer.  Those were the days!!
He proceeded to show me the Atlanta that he knew, as a native.  We made all the visits, Stone Mountain, the Varsity, Mary Mac’s Tea Room, The Fox, and many, many honky tonks and bars.  I don’t even remember where I was staying!
My visit now is ostensibly to visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and perhaps a few of the nostalgic places like Merry Macs and The Varsity.  And who knows, maybe I can?
From the Carter Library:

Shortly after taking office as President, Jimmy Carter expressed interest in building a Presidential Library “someplace in Georgia.” The National Archives and Records Administration was invited to establish an office in the Old Executive Building to be staffed by archivists who could advise the White House staff on the preservation and arrangement of the twenty-seven million pages and other historical materials from the Carter presidency, prior to their movement to Georgia. As Carter’s presidency came to a close, a location search began for the Carter Library. After surveying a number of potential areas, today’s thirty-acre location was selected. The land, originally acquired to build an interstate highway, was owned by the state of Georgia. Ironically, the interstate plan was halted by then Governor Carter.

The Carter Presidential Library was built by Atlanta architectural firm, Jova/Daniels/Busby, in cooperation with Lawton/Umemura/Yamamoto of Hawaii who designed the structure. The facility includes the presidential library (donated to the federal government) and privately maintained spaces such as President Carter’s office, offices for foundations he supports, and The Carter Center of Emory University. The $26 million project, raised by donations from friends of President Carter from around the world, began with a ground breaking ceremony on October 2, 1984. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum was dedicated during the museum opening on October 1, 1986.

While President Carter had his challenges as President, an outsider, form the south, he became a most admired and respect man after he left office.  I wonder if we could ever elect a person as worthy as Jimmy Carter again.  Perhaps President Obama comes as close as in my opinion as a humanitarian, and as a man.

Surprisingly, Atlanta is a city of only about half a million people, yet is always considered the “jewel” or gateway of the south.  Yet the metro area numbers around 6 million people.  I will spare you the Scarlet stories, preferring to stay with Jimmy, Ted Turner, Dr. King, and Ralph Abernathy.

I had an opportunity to attend the Olympics here in 1996, but decided I could not handle the heat, hence the name, Hotlanta.  And everyone knows the airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is one of the busiest in the world.  My last time here, I was ushered to my plane in a wheel chair.  I injured my calf muscle while playing tennis with a buddy, before heading to a business meeting in Orlando.
Having done most of the tourist attractions here, I will concentrate on the Carter Museum, and some nostalgia with Mary Macs and The Varsity.  Speaking of Mary, she has been around for 70 years.  Located on Ponce de Leon Avenue, it is an icon of southern dining room culture.  I love using a little pencil to circle the food items on their thin paper menu.  Welcome to overcooked veggies, jello with whipped cream, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes.  Typical items are fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, chicken livers, fried okra, and pan fried cube steak with brown onion gravy.
And maybe, just maybe, I will be able to find my old buddy, Ken Bob.j carter libmary macthe varsity

Cool Or Yes?

Posted by golfkat on October 1, 2019
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Despite the orange man sitting in the White House, I still think DC is a cool place to visit.  I love the museums, restaurants, and the overall vibe of the city.  Putting politics on both sides of the aisle to rest for a few days, let’s see what DC can do for you or me.
For starters, have you ever seen the Lincoln Book Tower?  It is 34 feet tall, and made up of 6800 books.  It is located at the Ford’s Theater Center for Education and Leadership (511 10th Street, NW).  About the closest comparison I can make it is the guitar tower at the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the EMP) in Seattle.
Who was Kilroy?  He was the ubiquitous war doodle, a bald-headed, long-nosed man, peering over a wall.  He is often accompanied by a scribble, “Kilroy was here.”  Did he really bolster the morale of our troops overseas?  The National Park Service has hidden the doodle in two places at the Mall’s WW2 Memorial.  Answer below, if you must.
Would you believe there is a bonsai here that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima?  One of the trees at the Arboretum’s National Bonsai and Penjing Museum stands small as a symbol of resilience. The bonsai, a Japanese white pine that’s nearly 400 years old, was grown within two miles of where U.S. forces dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. It was gifted to the United States in 1975, but the museum’s curators didn’t realize the connection until 2001, when the grandsons of the man who donated the tree came to visit and told the story of how it had survived the bomb blast and radiation. It makes one think about how a miniature tree could survive the blast, and how it’s become a monument to the people who did not. World War II wasn’t the first war the bonsai had endured — and probably isn’t the last, either.
While we are here, who was actually born in DC (Or can you say, really born in the USA?)?  How about former Warrior Kevin Durant, Marvin Gaye, Samuel L. Jackson, Al Gore, Duke Ellington, Louis CK, Al Gore, Stephen Colbert, Olympic hero Katy Ledecky, Maury Povich, Goldie Hawn, John F. Kennedy, Jr., Elgin Baylor, Pete Sampras, Maury Wills, John Philip Sousa, John Foster Dulles, Connie Chung, J. Edgar Hoover, and Harold Soloman.
Now for my many bibliophile friends:
Did you know you can get a library card for the Library of Congress? The free “Reader Identification Card” gives you access to the Library’s research areas and generally makes you a bookish badass. Settle in to a reading room and dig up some history.  I think I will do this!
In summary, there is way too much to do here.  I have not even mentioned the Smithsonians, free concerts and lectures, or tours of various government agencies.  Add to that, a hop on, hop off bus tour, just to get re-acquainted with the sites.  And I know I will find some music as well.
This is a wonderful place!
Answer to Kilroy:  No luck finding Kilroy on your own? Spot him near the Pennsylvania marker in a walled-off area at the back of the memorial (Lincoln Memorial side), above the metal grating. Another Kilroy marking is hidden opposite the golden gate (facing the Washington Monument).easternkilroylincoln book

Avoid These Buckets!

Posted by golfkat on September 19, 2019
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I could not help but make note of this list of “buckets” to avoid.  I have often felt this way about some of these, while I think others are definitely worth the experience.
Leaning Tower of Pisa-skip it!
Niagara Falls-have not been, but should have skipped Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Surfing in Bondi-I do not surf.
Swim with dolphins in New Zealand-never thought of doing this!
Venice gondola-stinky, and just very disappointing.
Everest Base Camp-never, but been to Nepal, and seen Everest from above.
Loch Ness, Scotland-I was too busy golfing St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Troon.
Carnival Rio-would love to experience this!  Rio was great even without it.
Route 66-drive, cycle or walk at least part of it, but not the whole route.
Bali beach hopping-might be fun.
Seychelles castaway-not sure.
Paris cafe’-definitely, several times, even in deGaulle’s France.
Galapagos-never felt it wise to disturb the environment there.
Giza pyramids-might be interesting?
Tiger tracking in India-no thanks.
Grand Canyon skywalk-it is spectacular without some man made attraction.
Blue Lagoon in Iceland-maybe.
Inca Trail-Machu was disappointing, and too many people.
Sistine Chapel-truly amazing, you must see it, even if you are not Catholic!
Stonehenge-skip it, a total waste of time!
Northern Lights-simply amazing, nature’s greatest light show!
Dubai-forget it.
Uluru-might be interesting, esp. on the train.
Mona Lisa-despite the crowds, yes, a must see.
Harrod’s London-at least once, with a great champagne and oyster bar inside!
Blue Lagoon Malta-why not?
Terracotta Army-I really doubt it.
Dead Sea-over my dead body!
Infinity pool Singapore-if the bathing suit fits, why not?
Great Barrier Reef-I did but probably not best for its health.
So, what did they leave off of this list?
Torres del Paine
Oktoberfest Munich
Tofu in Kyoto
Jet boats in Queenstown, NZ
Lake Baikal on the Trans Siberian Railway
The Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie (sorry, you will not be able to do this!!!!)
Wimbledon, US Open, Kentucky Derby, and Indy 500
Amtrak across America
Antelope Canyon
Atacama Desert
Amazon Rainforest
Tokyo fish market
Angkor Wat
I could add more, but that should give you an idea what I prefer.  I am sure you feel differently.
Managed to get a picture in between everyone else.

A Few Busy Intersections

Posted by golfkat on September 1, 2019
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Trip Trivia posted a story about the busiest intersections in the world.  Can you believe I have been to all of them?  Where are they, and what was I doing there?
They say that crossing the street with thousands of your best friends in a memorable experience.  I am not so sure.  But in most cases, the visual stimulation is worth the price of admission.
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo
Of course, probably the busiest in the world.  Also home to what is now the world’s most well known dog, Hachiko.  If you ever get to see the Japanese version of the film (not the Dick Gere version), you will cry until your eyes drown.  Needless to say, Shibuya is Times Square on steroids. Can you believe that about 2500 people cross here at the appropriate time?  Best of all, there is a Starbucks on the second story overlooking the crossing.  Perhaps you can count the number of people here?  We have, in the past, chosen, the Hachiko statue as a meeting point, as have perhaps a thousand other people.
Times Square, New York City
Perhaps one of the most photographed locations in the world, along with the Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon, and the Teeming Power of Lisa.  I like the energy that Times Square forces into every muscle and pore.  Don’t go unless you want to be a real New Yorker for a few days.  As the Chairman of the Board sang, the city never sleeps, and it is certainly true here.  I did not know it was originally named Longacre Square, until the New York Times moved here.  Each day, anywhere from 380,000 to 450,000 traverse the heart of the Square.  And on New Year’s Eve, the count is more than a million!
Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris
Would you believe twelve avenues converge here, with its epicenter, the Arch de Triomphe?  The Arch was featured in last week’s Tour de France, as the race traversed tree lined Champs Elysees a full SEVEN laps!  The first time is the best, since it just seems so, well so French, of course.  France was not so nice to me on my first visits in the 70s, thanks to de Gaulle, and his anti-American attitude.  But it has gotten better, or I have mellowed, maybe some of both.
Piccadilly Circus, London
What was I thinking when I first heard the term?  Imagine my great disappointment when I found out it was just an amorphous circle in the middle of the city.  But it was my first trip to Europe.  And it was my first view of a famous site.  I was on my way to see a play, either “Hair” or “Butley” with Alan Bates.  Would you believe a hundred million people get here each year?  But it is close to London’s famous theaters, and the Underground.  It is a natural meeting place for pre theater dinner.
Naturally, I have my own “list” of busy intersections, based on my travels.
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Museumplein, Amsterdam
Spanish Steps, Rome
Marienplatz, Munich
Revolution Square, Bucharest
Red Square, Moscow
Wenceslas Square, Prague
Heroe’s Square, Budapest
Old Town Square, Warsaw
St. Peter’s Square, Rome
Taksim Square, Istanbul
You can probably add a few of your own.  Only one rule:  you must have been there yourself!!Archshibuyatimespiccadilly