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Bonnie Raitt(s) a Trip to Napa

Posted by golfkat on September 18, 2022
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Music, Travel. Leave a comment

Any trip to Napa these days is special, since we get to see our dear friends, Chris and Paul.  You may recall, they were on my cycling trip and cruise to Croatia last May.  I think they travel more than I do, but I am happy for them.  They deserve it.

We are here ostensibly to attend a Bonnie Raitt concert at the Oxbow Riverstage on Saturday night.  But we will spend the afternoon wine tasting in Napa Valley, enjoy a nice dinner, and hit the concert venue.  Sunday, we will “peddle for pancakes” as Paul has proclaimed.  Every Sunday, when they are home, they cycle about 20 miles, then stop at the Yountville golf course for pancakes or breakfast. We have done this once before with them.  And it is always fun. 

On our way back from Napa, we will stop (maybe) in the Livermore wine country as well.  Of course, we will be in a hurry to rescue Lexi from Elaines’ Pet Resort.

A bit about Bonnie Raitt.  Here is some information from her website:

She was raised in Los Angeles, in the Quaker tradition and a commitment to social activism.  A Stella guitar was a Christmas present that launched her career at the age of 8.  She is enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, won ten Grammys, and has published twenty-one albums.  She has become an institution in American music.  She has performed duets with other famous musicians including  John Lee Hooker, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, BB King, Tony Bennett, and Ray Charles.

Needless to say, this is an action-packed weekend with two special people.  But I am sorry to miss their sidekicks, Tommy “Two Shoes”, and Miss Irene.

Despite the growth of many wine regions here in California, and elsewhere, Napa Valley is still my favorite.  Why?  Three reasons, one, I started coming here in the Sixties, when Napa was the really “poor” sister to France and Bordeaux.  And two, we sold some of our grapes to a conglomerate here, Allied Vintners, which became part of Heublein, which became part of ?? who knows!   Three, and most importantly, for most of my adult life, Napa was about an hour away from home.

What do we really know about Napa other than wineries, good food, and the Napa Vine Trail?  The median income here is about $86,000 annually.  The city has only 78,000 people, rather exclusive.  

Napa Valley contains about 25% of California’s wineries but represents only 4% of our state’s wine production.  And only 0.4% of the world’s wine production.  Only 44,000 acres are under cultivation for grapes, with about 700 growers.  Yet, there are 16 approved AVA’s.  Over half the vineyards are planted with Cabernet.

The economic impact is about $10 billion annually, and nearly $50 billion to the US annually.  

Why is Yountville so famous?  A pioneer by the name of George Yount presumably planted the first wine grapes here, around 1838 or 1839.  But John Patchett opened the first commercial vineyard in 1861, followed by Charles Krug, a name you recognize, I am sure.  And now, over 5 million people visit Napa Valley annually.  In California, only Disneyland draws more people!

Napa’s worldwide claim to fame: Napa wines earned their fame in The 1976 Judgement Of Paris when a panel of French judges, in a blind tasting, voted the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and the 1973 Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon as the top white and red, beating out the French competitors.  It is NEVER mentioned in France!!  All they do is bad mouth Napa Valley.

Enough facts for now, Joe (Friday).  It is time to go wine tasting and relax at the concert. Oh, and Mavis Staples was the warm up, and she was fabulous!!!

Another Oktoberfest

Posted by golfkat on September 16, 2022
Posted in: Travel, Food, Entertainment, Cultures, Action. Leave a comment

The real Oktoberfest in Munich starts Saturday (Sep. 17)!!!  I really do not have the time to re-trace my travel steps, at this point in my life.  But this is one event that would be fun.

From 2010:

I see there are some places in the United States that celebrate the Oktoberfest, much like they do in Munich each year.  Of special note is the 200th anniversary of the Oktoberfest this year (2010).  It began on October 12, 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig, who later became King Ludwig I of Bavaria, married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hidburghausen.  The royal festivities that followed have become part of this big yearly tradition.  It is now known over the world as Oktoberfest with over 7 million people, even though it begins in September (today), and ends this year on October 6 (a full 14 days later).

If there is one event in Europe to attend, that is a non sporting event, this is IT!  It is the biggest two week party I have ever seen or been a part of.  For the 200th anniveresary, special events will take place.  These include:  folk music, dance displays, and horse races that are meant to emulate the celebration of 200 years ago.  Most visitors, however, come for the festivities, including the fourteen HUGE beer tents.

The places in the U.S. are as follows:

Fredericksburg, Texas Hill Country  (Texans are worthy beer drinkers, at least as good as the Germans)

Catskills, New York (I have a hard time seeing this one)

Columbus, Ohio (actually runs 365 days a year, my kind of beer town)

Zinzinnati, Ohio (the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munchen)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (fifteen acres large and a big fish fry for local flavor)

LaCrosse, WI (fifty year tradition with 3 mile long parade and Miss Oktoberfest contest)

Epcot Center, Orlando  (The Biergarten, been there, good food, bad beer)

Leavenworth, WA (Bavarian themed town with lots of oompahpah and beer)

Chicago, IL (St. Alphonsus Church with music by the Bratwurst Brothers and the Polkaholics)

Alpine Village, Torrance, CA (since 1968, lasting for 8 weeks, advance tickets available now)

 

First, the beer is without peer.  The wooden kegs are iced down at the brewery and driven to the Oktoberfest grounds by horse drawn wagons, by lederhosen clad drivers and wenches (or whatever the German term is for them).  The horses seem in no particular hurry.  But just seeing the ice melting over the wooden kegs is enough to whet even the driest thirst.  I just hoped they would drop a keg, and we could all run up and drink all we could before it went down the drain.

A seat inside one of the fourteen tents usually requires a ticket or reservation.  These are held by families for decades, and often passed from father to son.  Unknown to me, we sat down, ordered a beer, and got kicked out.  But not after slurping the liter mug of the best beer I have ever had.  And those busty German Fraus can carry about ten or twelve mugs, without losing a drop!

But a seat in the area outside of the tent is actually better for finding food, meeting young Germans, and starting beer and food fights.  I met three really neat German kids when I was there.  We met every day around 3pm, probably when they sobered up from the previous day.  I actually ended up writing to Hans for many years after, trying to get him to visit me in the U.S.  Anyway, after spending 6 to 8 hours at the Oktoberfest grounds, we took a taxi to their local hangout, and of course, drank some more beer.

The food was equally good and interesting.  My personal favorite was the mackerel and herring (or any white fish) that was barbecued outdoors over hot coals.  After choosing a fish, the monger would wrap it in several layers of newspaper.  Then, back at the drinking table, we would unwrap the fish, eat it down to the bone on the newspaper, and roll up the scraps and bones after.  It was a neat little package.

Of course, we supplemented this with an array of German sausages and brats, along with a huge spiral cut white radish.  It became a favorite as well, and I have never seen it since.  Our favorite spot was the Lowenbrau tent and their beer, a special brew served only at the Oktoberfest.  Their twin lions on their oversized beer bottle would roar on the hour and half hour.  After sundown, the light shows started, and the crowds got bigger.  It was impossible to walk a straight line.  So, we joined hands (with Hans) in a conga line, and followed Hans to various stops on the grounds.  I am sure we upset many a German and his family.

Fortunately, my hostel was back near the Bahnhof, so I could not get lost.  I just had to ask or tell a cab driver to get me to the train station.  Was it Mark Twain that said, “Too bad youth is wasted on the young”?  This was true for me on this particular trip.  Though I had a great time, I did not really delve very deeply into German lore and culture, unless you consider beer to be their Grail.  Perhaps I did find their soul and their hopes and dreams in a liter mug of great beer!

 This even should be on your water pail list, even if you don’t drink beer.  It is a great event.  The Germans are so much fun after a few beers!!!

Cooling Off at the Coast

Posted by golfkat on September 9, 2022
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Golf, Shopping, Sports, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

We are tired of the hot weather!  This weekend will range around 110 or higher in the great Valley.  I think we need to drive over to the Monterey Peninsula and cool off!!  I am sure Lexi would welcome her walks in cooler weather as well.

But first, on the way, I think we need to stop at the factory outlets in Gilroy for a little retail therapy.  Then after lunch, perhaps In N Out Burger, we will finish the drive to Monterey.  Hopefully, we can visit a few dear friends during our visit.  Also, I want to take Lexi to the beach, maybe drive 17 Mile Drive, and have some seafood pasta at Abalonetti on the Monterey wharf.

For a real change of pace, I think I will hit one of the wine tasting rooms in Monterey.  I tried Caraccioli (tasting room) in downtown Carmel. In fact, it was so good, I went two days in a row!!!  Their brut rose’ is very good,  I bought one, though a bit pricey.  More affordable is their Rose’ of Pinot Noir at only $30 a bottle. 

The highlight for me is taking Lexi for a walk on Carmel Beach, running along the shore, while gazing up at the Pebble Beach Golf Links.  She loves the beach and does not mind the sand in her little paws.  She also enjoys the beaches elsewhere, though the sea lions were barking aplenty at the Monterey Wharf.

One of our dear friends down here is Big John, over at the Inn at Spanish Bay.  We have know him for over 25 years, when he was still a waiter at Abalonetti.  He has been the head bellman at Spanish Bay for over three decades now.  He told an interesting story about us at the President of Pebble Beach’s retirement dinner.  Upon leaving our little cocktail party during a stay at the Lodge at Pebble some years ago, he saw the light was on in the President’s office.  He would see the “boss man” arrive at 6am every morning as well.  He figured if the President was willing to work that hard, so would he and his staff!!

A few other places down here catch my attention.  Thinker Toys is a great toy and hobby shop in downtown Carmel.  We also like Hedi’s Shoes on Ocean Avenue.  We buy our Hoka 1’s there.  And our Turkish lamp store is also on Ocean Avenue.  But best of all, I found some Turkish Delight at a store on Cannery Row.  the owner says it is 100% imported from Istanbul, since he cannot buy the right ingredient here.

The weather has been great, in the 60s and 70s mostly, while back home hit record heat in the 110+ range.  I highly recommend this form of therapy, both for physical and mental health.  Sheri even bought a jacket!!

And maybe best of all, we found a pretty good Chinese restaurant in Monterey, with excellent chow fun, and Peking spare ribs!!!

My Favorite Metro Stations

Posted by golfkat on September 4, 2022
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Over the years, combined with my love for trains, metros, and public transportation, I have been fortunate to find some of the most beautiful stations in the world.  Here are a few of my favorites (with help from tripsavvy):

Komsomolskaya Station, Moscow (above)

With its crystal chandeliers, marble pillars, and golden mosaics, you’d almost expect Moscow’s commuters to waltz through Komsomolskaya Station on their way to the platform. Constructed in 1952, the space was inspired by a wartime speech of Stalin, and the creative duo behind its extravagance (Artist Pavel Korin and architect Alexey Schusev) even won the Stalin prize for their work. Beyond its beauty is a blatant political mission. The station was also designed to promote Soviet propaganda, so you’ll find sculptures of fallen leaders and scenes depicting moments of Russian history.  I was here in 2014, and was so impressed, plus the metro trains run every 6 minutes!

Metro Center Station, Washington, DC (2nd photo)

Designed by prolific Chicago architect Harry Weese in the late 1960s, the Metro Center station in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful stops in the U.S. To conceptualize his brutalist design, Weese toured the country’s transit systems and determined that the capital needed a grand station to reflect its monumental architecture. The result is a series of vaulted cathedral ceilings with waffle-like coffered blocks and recessed lighting that creates a soft and serene ambiance. Inside, you’ll also find G. Byron Peck’s 1989 mural, “Scenes of Washington,” which was expanded in 2001 to depict more images from the Capital City.  One of the highlights of visiting DC.

St Pancras Station, London  (3rd photo)

St Pancras International isn’t a mere airport terminal for trains, it’s a spectacular Grade 1 listed building that will take your breath away, and a destination in its own right, with shops, restaurants & cafes.  Originally opened in 1868, London’s magnificent St Pancras station was beautifully restored and reopened on 14 November 2007 to become the London terminal for Eurostar trains to Paris, Brussels and now Amsterdam, taking over from Waterloo which had been Eurostar’s London terminal since it started in 1994.  St Pancras still serves its original purpose as terminus for the Midland main line trains to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham & Sheffield, and it now also hosts domestic high-speed trains to and from Kent.  Underground platforms provide direct Thameslink trains south to Croydon, Gatwick Airport and Brighton.  This might be my favorite in the world, providing a great wat to leave London for Paris.

Universidad de Chile Station, Santiago (4th photo)

Santiago has long been famous for its colorful murals, and one of its most vibrant works can be spotted inside the Universidad de Chile metro station. While waiting for the train, riders standing on the platform can admire a mural spanning over 12,000 square feet. The work by Chilean painter Mario Toral, titled “Memoria Visual de una Nación” (Visual Memory of a Nation), was completed in 1999 and depicts the country’s history from its pre-Colombian Indigenous roots to the violent Spanish conquest. To bring the magnum opus to fruition, Toral traveled around the county for two years, interviewing historians, poets, and representatives of Indigenous groups, before spending three years mapping out the mural that’s now a civic treasure.  Despite the beauty of the station, Santiago stands out for the place where we first met the inimitable Barry the V!!!

I am sure each of you must have a favorite metro station.

The Importance of Rice

Posted by golfkat on September 3, 2022
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Over two billion people worldwide rely on rice as their primary food. According to new study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, increasing levels of carbon dioxide are not only warming the planet, but also severely lowering the nutritional value of key crops like rice. CO2-exposed rice has dramatically less iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Speaking of rice and Japan:  Did you know there are over 30,000 certified sommeliers in Japan, 13k of whom are women? A modest 26.5% of all Japanese sommelier candidates pass the exams as sommelier training is quite rigorous there. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Japan’s induction into the International Association of Sommeliers. Japan also boasts countless wine schools and a flourishing wine book industry. I have never encountered one, that I can recall.

​Some basic rice information:  

Rice is a main staple in more than 100 countries worldwide.  In some households, rice is included with more than one meal a day. This starchy high-calorie grain is generally low cost, making it accessible to all and a vital base of many diets. Each country showcases a rice specialty to reflect local spices and taste preferences: risotto in Italy, paella in Spain, jambalaya in the southern U.S., coconut rice in Colombia, steamed rice in China, rice and beans in Mexico, and sweet rice in Portugal, to name a few.

The scientific name for rice is Oryza. Oryza sativa is the most common species and is subdivided into the long-grain indica, and short-grain japonica. Tools for farming rice have been found in China dating back 8000 years. Merchant traders helped the gradual spread of rice across the continents.

There are thousands (over 40,000) of types of Oryza sativa, which can differ in size, thickness, stickiness, color, aroma, and flavor. Rice is often broadly categorized based on its shape or method of processing:

Long, short, or medium grain

This refers to the length and width of the rice grain after cooking:

  • Long grains have a slender kernel over four times as long as they are wide. When cooked, long grain rice stays separate and fluffy (e.g., Jasmine and Basmati rice).
  • Medium grains have a shorter, wider kernel, yielding a tender and semi-sticky consistency when cooked (e.g., Arborio rice).
  • Short grains have a kernel only twice as long as they are wide, and yield the stickiest texture when cooked (e.g., “sushi” rice).

Is the rice in its whole, intact form (like “brown” rice), or has it been milled and polished (like “white” rice)?

  • Whole: Just like all whole grains, rice naturally contains three edible components—the bran, germ, and endosperm (the inedible hull is removed). “Brown” rice is the typical whole grain rice, though this describes not a particular variety but the natural color of the grain. However, whole grain rice is not limited to one color—it also comes in shades of black, purple, and red. Because the fibrous bran layer and nutrient-rich germ remain intact, these varieties typically take longer to cook, and have a nuttier and chewier texture than refined white rice.
  • Refined: Rice that is polished to remove the bran layers and embryo so that only the starchy white endosperm remains—hence the name “white” rice (again, this refers to the color and not one particular variety). The milling and polishing process removes the majority of naturally occurring B vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber, so B vitamins and iron are added back. Food labels will display the term “enriched” to indicate this. However, only a fraction of the original amount of these nutrients is added back.

Of course, when it comes to cooking, specific varieties of rice are often chosen for their unique characteristics. Here are a few popular types:

  • Arborio: A medium-grain rice popular for making risotto and puddings. It undergoes less milling than long-grain rice so it retains more starch, which is released during cooking to produce a naturally creamy consistency without becoming mushy. Unlike other rice cooking methods, water must be added to Arborio rice gradually in segments, with constant stirring, to produce the creamy texture of risotto. Arborio rice is available in both brown and white versions.
  • Basmati, Jasmine: These are varieties of long-grain rice with fragrant aromas that are available in both brown and white versions.
  • Black (Forbidden), Purple, or Red: These types of short or medium-grain colorful rice contain a natural plant phytochemical called anthocyanins, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties that is also found in blueberries and blackberries. Their nutritious bran and germ layers are intact similar to brown rice.
  • Glutinous: Named for its glue-like consistency (not for gluten, which it does not contain), this short-grain rice is especially sticky when cooked. This is because it contains primarily one component of starch, called amylopectin, while other types of rice contain both amylopectin and amylose. Glutinous rice is particularly popular throughout Asia, and is available in a range of colors including white, brown, and black/purple.

I usually make one pot full of rice each week.  I use an electric rice cooker, which is basically fail safe, and makes perfect rice each time.  I alternate among several types of rice:  Basmati, 

Japanese short grain (Kokuho or Nishiki), or a basic long grain.  Leftover rice makes excellent fried rice. And once in a while, when Lexi has an upset tummy, I make her a small pot of rice porridge.

When I travel anywhere other than Asia, I miss having my rice.

Why Visit a Supermarket While Traveling

Posted by golfkat on August 28, 2022
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Shopping, Travel. Leave a comment

Though I really enjoy visiting supermarkets in foreign countries, there are benefits to visiting domestic supermarkets as well.   But the point is, do not overlook the supermarket for a worthwhile adventure while on the road.

Over the years, we have discovered some really interesting gift items and experiences.  One of my first visits in a foreign country was in London back in the 70s.  I found the “Wagon Wheel” brand on boxes of produce.  The Sorensen family were near and dear to our family since they managed my Grandmother’s farm in Sanger when my family was sent to a WW2 Relocation Camp in Gila, Arizona.  Sadly, I think the brand is gone, but the Sorensen’s live on!

Often times, I see our Kingsburg based Sun Maid brand of raisins in places all over the world, like Bangkok, Rio, and Cape Town.  Our family has been a member of the Sun Maid Raisin Cooperative since the 40s.  And I often take little boxes of raisins as gifts on my overseas travel.

But aside from seeing familiar brands, I enjoy visiting foreign supermarkets for unique and local food and gift items.  Recently, I have found some decent champagnes, Greek kydoni (candied quince), Spanish Iberico jamon, Buffalo grass vodka (Poland),and everyone’s favorite wine gummies.

My two favorite sections are the wine and snack sections.  Though I am often drawn to the store for basics like water, mints, or snacks, I always browse the store unless I am in a hurry.  What better way to learn some local culture than to see what locals buy?  It can get really strange in places like Botswana, Vina del Mar (Chile), Luang Prabang (Laos), and Anchorage, Alaska.

Durian on wood background,King of fruits

Take, for instance, a rather common item like potato chips.  Yes, we have the usual plain, barbecue, sour cream onion, lime and ranch flavors.  But can you imagine such off beat flavors as poutine (Canada), chili and lemon (Egypt), seaweed salt (Japan), Ruffles queso (Mexico), Simba tomato sauce (South Africa), Magic Masala (India), paprika (Germany), dill pickle (Russia), and haggis (Scotland), just kidding!

Fruit juice is another grocery store item that reveals much about a country.  Though orange juice is the most popular around the world, you might be surprised by what I have seen.  Here are some interesting fruit drinks:  mango lassi (India), apple cider (England), kompot (Russia), mata kucing (Malaysia), guarana (Brazil), Calpis (Japan), mirabelle (Poland and France), avocado (Indonesia), Hibiscus (Senegal), and champus (Colombia).  But having tried several, most are an acquired taste.

Of course, nothing beats the durian, aka “the king of fruit” for its unique flavor and smell.  My palate says it is a cross between rotten onions and stinky sweat socks.  Durian fans say it tastes like a ripe banana.  The smell is so powerful, durian is not allowed on public transportation in SE Asia.  But it can be purchased frozen, as well as in cookies, and cakes.  Fresh durian can be purchased in Seattle at Uwajimaya, or New York’s Chinatown.

My new favorite is kydoni (candied quince), which I discovered in Santorini last year.  It was served over Greek yogurt, as a complimentary dessert.  When I returned to Athens, I found it in a tiny little grocery store in Plaka.  Now, with each trip to Greece, I always bring back a jar of kydoni.  A similar product is candied melon rind, also served over Greek yogurt.

I plan to return to Istanbul in November for one of our favorite desserts, Turkish Delight.  Everyone makes it a bit differently, some with just fruit juice and gelatin, and some with nuts and nougat filling.  Three years ago, I brought back a kilo (2.2 pounds).  I have tried to buy a few versions from US based Greek delis, but it is not the same!

If you ever get a chance to try wine gummies, please do!  These gummies do not contain wine and are much less sweetened than regular gummies.  I call them gummies for adults.  The best place to buy them is Germany, Harrod’s in London, or KaDeWe Department Store in Berlin.

So, you see that I enjoy the grocery store, as much as the local watering hole or taverna.  And please do not forget my refrigerator magnets.  I must have several hundred now, and nowhere to display them!

Japantown California

Posted by golfkat on August 26, 2022
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

At one point, there were 43 different Japantowns in California alone. But, after World War II when the United States Government wrongly imprisoned its own Japanese American citizens in concentration camps, most Japantowns were lost. There are now just three. They are located in Los Angeles, San Jose and San Francisco.

I recommend coming to San Francisco’s Japantown for a sushi lunch during the springtime when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Make time to browse the shops afterward! If you want more Japanese vibes, head over to the Japanese Tea Garden. 

Japantown has also been known as J-town, Little Tokyo, and Nihonmachi.  There are roughly 1.4 million people of Japanese descent living in the US.

From 43 to three is quite dramatic.  What really happened?  Many Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during WW2 did not return to their communities, particularly on the west coast.  Places like Seattle, Sacramento, San Diego, and Portland had thriving Japantowns.  In fact, my Aunt and Uncle (and cousins) had a busy hardware/furniture in Sacramento’s Japantown.  And another Aunt and Uncle remained in Chicago, after the rest of my family returned to their farms in California.

From Wikipedia:  

Japantowns were created because of the widespread immigration of Japanese to America in the Meiji period (1868–1912). At that time, many Japanese were poor and sought economic opportunities in the United States. Japanese immigrants initially settled in Western parts of the US and Canada.  There were several Japantowns in Canada as well.  But again after the Internment of Japanese after Pearl Harbor, these communities were dispersed since Japanese Canadians were also sent to Relocation camps.

Interestingly, a Little Japantown has emerged in Toronto, Canada around Bay and Dundas Streets since the early 21st century.​

At one time, there were 43 different Japantowns in California, ranging from several square blocks of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, to one in the small farming community of Marysville in Yuba County. Besides typical businesses, these communities usually had Japanese language schools for the immigrants’ children, Japanese language newspapers, Buddhist and Christian churches, and sometimes Japanese hospitals. After the World War II internment of the Japanese, most of those communities declined significantly or disappeared altogether.

Interestingly, Liberdade district in Sao Paulo, Brazil has the largest population (over 200,000) of Japanese outside of Japan, and the largest population of people of Japanese descent.  Brazil has a total of 1.6 million people of Japanese descent.

I fondly remember visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Gardena, which became a significant community of Japanese after WW2.  As a little kid, it seemed like every other home was owned by Japanese.  I recall many Japanese owned businesses, included markets, pastry shops, insurance, health care, as well as both Christian and Buddhist Churches.

Little Tokyo in Los Angeles has the largest population of Japanese Americans in North America.  Again, I fondly remember visiting back in the 60s, both for social and athletic events, as well as meals and shopping.  Many of the small business are gone, thought the food and grocery businesses still thrive, along with the Japanese American National Museum.

As I said, I think you will be pleasantly surprised, with the food choices, as well as some shopping.  The Japanese food markets are my favorite, and I can always find something!

Eat Like a Food Writer

Posted by golfkat on August 25, 2022
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

Most of us who are foodies know these things.  But Food Travelist has listed them, just in case you did not get the memo.  Who sent the memo?  The ghost of Tony Bourdain, or Julia Child?  Mr. Bizarre Foods, Andrew Zimmern?  Beat Bobby Flay?

Look for the lines   Yes, the longest line usually means the best food.  Or get there earlier tomorrow?

Ask waiters and cabbies   Just beware, they could be on the “payroll” of a restaurant.  I always talk to the hotel people, and I shall reveal a secret, which you may find rather sensitive.  I always ask a person of color for a local spot.

Go for lunch   Generally, it is cheaper than dinner.  And the portions are more manageable.  Lunch may also offer a “fixed price” menu as well.  The Michaelin starred places in Tokyo are known for their special lunches.

Visit a local market and pack a picnic    I love doing this, especially in a foreign country.  Even in a place like Russia, I was able to buy food on the Trans Siberian Railway platforms in various small towns in Russia.  Just don’t buy the cheap vodka!!!

Read reviews   Good advice, but also try to read between the lines.  Just because a place is called “touristy” does not mean the food is bad or too expensive.  Another piece of advice:  I subscribe to the local paper (online, of course) a few months before going.

Take a food tour or cooking class   I have enjoyed some fantastic food tours, in places like Mexico City, Hanoi (on the back of a moto), St. Petersburg (Russia), Rio, and Sydney.

Never underestimate street food   Some of my best meals have been discovered in food trucks, roadside stands, and “mom and pop” shops.  In remote areas, this might be your only choice!  Again, find the longest line and you will find the freshest food.

And I added one more:

The dreaded food courts   I have found some great food courts, in places like Honolulu, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Mallorca (Spain), Washington, DC, Mexico City, Penang (Malaysia), Singapore, Buenos Aires, and Munich.

One huge advantage I have as a solo wanderer, is that I can eat whenever and wherever I want.  Or if you are so fortunate to travel with Mr. Mike, he has already discovered the best places!!!

Revisiting the US (Tennis) Open

Posted by golfkat on August 24, 2022
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

The US Tennis Open starts today.  It is a great event, though not quite as majestic as Wimbledon.  Watching on TV, I see familiar faces, including Brad Gilbert, who I saw as a snotty little kid in Oakland back in the 70s.  People change, the world changes.  What can I say?

Enjoy the Open.

Written in 2008.

Having been a very avid tennis player and fan most of my adult life, I jumped at the chance to attend the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadow, New York during the 80’s.  I was going to Chicago and Atlanta on business anyway, so it fit right in.  I got the tickets from the Northern California Tennis Association, for which I was a committee volunteer.  During a meeting, the Director asked if anyone wanted the tickets, and I said YES.  Do you remember who won the Men’s title in 1982?

Chicago and Atlanta were just a couple of stops on the way to the big event.  A friend from Chicago was planning to meet me.  That did not work out, but I decided to go anyway.  I landed at LaGuardia Airport around midafternoon and found a hotel room at a nearby Marriott.  If you have never flown over the New York skyline, the Empire State Buidling, and the Statue of Liberty, it is a fabulous, and inspiring sight.

I called my cousin to see if he wanted to have dinner and go to the Open the next day with me.  He and his parents picked me up, took me to a Long Island sushi bar, and showed me their home on Long Island, right across the street from the Bethpage Golf Course.  They also showed me the sushi bar they were planning to open very soon.  Chet, the Jet (he was a hockey player), who later became a physician, said he would meet me after work the next day.  I gave him one of my tickets and hoped for the best.

At this point, I must tell you that New York cab drivers are in a league of their own, for good or bad.  A good one is invaluable, a bad one is the biggest jerk you have ever met.  I got a good one to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadow, site of a former World’s Fair, and just a train track crossing from the Met’s Shea Stadium.  The Open has been held here since 1978, and actually began in 1881 in Newport, R.I.

The tickets that I had were good for both the day session, as well as the hard-to-get evening session in the Stadium court.  The thrill of the day session was that matches were held on multiple courts, so that you could always find a good match. And I could get a front row view of all the well-known men and women players.  The grounds also had several hospitality and merchandise tents, as if New York was not expensive already.  I did buy T shirts, caps, and towels for my friends back home.

I wandered the many courts, looking for a good match.  I found some people I knew, believe it or not.  The first was one of the referees from California, who I knew through my own tennis competition and volunteer work.  The second was a player, Ann Kiyomura from San Mateo.  She played a great match against Kathy Jordan from Stanford and upset her in 3 sets.  She offered tickets for the next day, but I told her I would be on my way home by then.  Most people do not know that Annie, at the time, had won more Junior tennis titles than anyone in history.  She never became a big star, but she did win the Wimbledon women’s doubles one year with a gal from Japan.

Her younger sister Vicki lives in the South Bay, and we played in the same tennis club and circle of friends for many years.

The worst part of this whole day was the cost of food.  I think a hot dog and a soda were almost $10.  But it was such a great experience, I said what the heck.  It brought to mind a scene from Seinfeld, where Jerry and George went to the Open. Jerry met a deaf linesperson, while George was gorging a big ice cream, all over his face, while the TV cameras were trained on him.  

Another nice thing about wandering around is getting to see the up-and-coming young players in practice or in junior matches.  We also got to see the better players and their coaches working out on the practice courts.  One of the big sensations back then was the infamous Dr. Renee Richards, formerly Richard Raskin.  One look at her/him, and you could tell something was not right.  Also, tennis groupies followed the good-looking young players around like horseflies.  By the way, the winner this year was Jimmy Connors.

As the day wore on, things quieted down a little, at least for New York.  I stayed all day since I was having so much fun.  My evening Stadium ticket would get me into the evening matches shortly.  When I entered the Stadium, I tried to find my seats.  It turns out they were box seats, right near many of famous people.  I saw the likes of Dan Rather, Jack Kramer, Walter Cronkite, Althea Gibson, Johnny Carson, and Donald Dell.  We were about 8 to 10 rows from the court and could hear the players talk to the referee.

Chet finally showed up mid match.  The second big match of the evening was Ivan Lendl and Tim Mayotte.  The crowd was going crazy since Mayotte looked like he would upset Lendl.  Around 10pm, the crowd began to stir to the point where it was a big distraction.  Chet said we had better get moving.  We were about to get hit with a sudden East coast downpour in a matter of a few more seconds.  We got to shelter in time, but it looked like the matches would be called for the evening.

About an hour later the rain let up, and we headed for the taxi and train area.  Chet wanted to make sure I got a cab back to the hotel safely, so he waited with me.  I guess we waited too long, as very few cabs were going by.  We were joined by another young man attending the Open and looking for a cab back to his hotel as well.  We waited and waited.

Finally, out of the darkness came a cab.  We asked how much, and he replied $50.  Chet told him to get lost, that he was ripping us off, and should be reported.  He came back again in about 10 minutes, wanting $60 and started to insult us by calling us country bumpkins, and that we should be grateful he was around to take us to our hotel.  Again, Chet told him to get lost.

He came back a third time, wanting $75 and started swearing at us, in prime New York cabbie vernacular.  We were ready for him this time.  The other fellow and I engaged in some rather spirited banter with him, while Chet let the air out of his tires on the passenger side.  When he finally took off, he was running on his tire rims on the right side, and never came back.  We finally got an honest cabbie, dropped Chet at the train station, and got back to our hotel.

As you can guess, New York has never been one of my favorite places.  The City is just too out of control.  The unending energy courses through you as you walk down any major boulevard, board the subway, and walk around Times Square or Wall Street.  I just do not feel that I am in control.
But you can easily see why New Yorkers responded so well to the 9/11 disaster, as they are tough, resilient, and never give up.  For me, I need a little more space and time.  It is a crazy place, and you must go there at least once in your life.

Fast forward to 2022:  You probably know I attended the French Open in Paris back in May.  That makes three of the four Grand Slam tournaments.  The only remaining Slam is the Australian Open in Melbourne.  I think I would rather go back to Wimbledon or the US Open than trek on over to Oz.

Wimbledon remains probably the best sporting event I have attended.  It ranks above the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, the Olympics, the Indy 500, and the Kentucky Derby, in my opinion.  Whichever one you choose, you cannot go wrong.  Some friends are going to the Indy 500 next year.  I think I will wait until my lowly Cal Bears play in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day!!!

The Famous Golden Gate Bridge

Posted by golfkat on August 17, 2022
Posted in: Action, Cultures, National Parks, Travel. Leave a comment

How many of you have walked across the Golden Gate Bridge?  Better yet, how many of you have bicycled across the bridge?  I have done both, on numerous occasions.  It is a great thrill every time, as the conditions are always different.  The weather can range from typical San Francisco fog, or a pristine clear and sunny day (and everything in between).

The bride opened in 1937.  The cost was $35 million or $523 million in today’s dollars.  My first time, crossing the bridge by car, was in the 50s. Our bridge toll was 50 cents.  Today, the cost is $9.05.  Forty million cars cross the bridge each year.  It translates to $145 million in revenue, to pay for employees, maintenance and paint.

The bridge is not golden, but rather international orange, creating the illusion that the bridge is bigger.  The color also helps improve the bridge’s visibility in the fog.

Eleven men lost their lives during construction, with another nineteen saved by the safety net.  More than 1800 people have jumped off the bridge, with only a very few surviving.

Each cable is 3 feet in diameter and consists of 27,572 wires in each cable.  The cables were so heavy, they had to be spun on site, over a period of six months.

The 50th Anniversary of the bridge was remarkable, for several reasons.  One, officials expected 50,000 people, but 800,000 showed up.  Two, the huge crowd actually flattened the arch of the bridge.  But the bridge was designed to move 15 feet vertically, and 27 feet sideways.  On windy days, it is possible to see the bridge sway!  The bridge weighs 840 million tons.

The two bridge towers are 740 feet high.  On a Newstalk radio show, several callers claimed to have shimmied their way out to the towers from either end.  Likewise, many claimed to have done the same when the Bay Bridge was built.

Some funny facts:  Horses are not allowed on the bridge.  The bridge has been destroyed in movies12 times!  The bridge has only been closed only 8 times.  

In the words of the legendary SF Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, “The mystical structure, with its perfect amalgam of delicacy and power, exerts an uncanny effect. Its efficiency cannot conceal the artistry. There is heart there, and soul…”

If you have never crossed, by car, foot, or bicycle, I strongly suggest doing all three!!!