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Portland, a Bang Up July 4th in 1866

2008-07-03T19:28:00.005-04:00

First stop on the coast was the city of Portland, Maine. I wanted to see how it changed since I wrote a piece for GN. I had to call in to Around the World Travel Radio anyway. While structurally the same, a bit of umph seems missing. Could be the economy or perhaps it is just me. I did learn a little something new that pertains to July 4th also. Love the little facts. On July 4 1866, Portland had a great fire that burned 1500 buildings down. The fire was started when a little boy threw a firecracker on a pile of wood shavings. At the time poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said the remains of the city reminded him of the ruins of Pompeii. Hope a better fourth for everyone.

Coastal Bound, Points Unknown

2008-07-03T04:40:00.000-04:00

A Corporate Type

2008-07-02T18:06:00.002-04:00

It has been a long four years since the passing of my Dad but today much has been put to rest; I have become part of a corporation. More importantly I do not have to go to NYC again for fifteen days. In anticipation of leaving for Prince Edward Island I made a stop at a camera shop and bought a new telephoto lens for my Canon, since plans include several whale cruises and lighthouse visits. It was the first time in a long time that price wasn’t a concern. I am ready for jeans and tee shirts and a worn sweatshirt at night when the evening fog rolls to shore. Instead of huge glam hotels we will be looking for cozy weathered inns and lobsters in the rough. I am looking forward to the huge tidal changes of the Bay of Fundy and getting dirty and wet in the tidal pools. After a few months of difficult situations I really want to see my wife’s smiling face and share some laughs on a deck and over dinner, the night air punctuated with fog horn blasts. I might not be the typical corporate type, and for that I am truly grateful.

"Travel and Bargain" Splitting Company

2008-07-01T17:41:00.006-04:00

The dollar is about to drop in value again against the euro. Those ten buck coffees that bummed me out this spring could soon be fifteen. Due to the rising inflation rate in Europe, the European Central Bank is planning on hiking a key interest rate this week. As one not versed in economics, I have to go by my cost of a cup of coffee meter. By far Warsaw, Poland gave me the best bang for a cup of joe. I got an email from good friend Nora Brossard who handles the European Travel Commission for Spring O’Brien with the Commission’s bulletin with tips for alternative art cities that are a bit cheaper. For example Linz, Esztergom and Ghent have art treasures well worth seeing. Let’s face it, it looks like the words “travel and bargain” will be splitting company for a while. I have gone so far as to rent a hybrid car for my trip up the coast of Maine and into Atlantic Canada, a chance to save some green while going green. Even the Loon is easily pacing the almighty (once) dollar. Check out Tim Leffel's blogs and books for other travel ideas.

Willing

2008-06-30T18:08:00.000-04:00

A few years ago I got some work done on the house. The contractor poised a very important question, “Do you want the shingling to be 15, 20 or 30 year guaranteed?” I had to think for a minute. Let’s see; in 30 years I will be eighty-one. To cut costs I really considered opting for the 20 year shingles. It seemed a safer bet. Better sense prevailed and I got the best quality.

I recently was asked about my will; I didn’t have one. The lawyer was incredulous. How could I not have one with so many different ramifications? He then rattled off all of the horrible possibilities. Who wants the state dictating what goes to whom and getting a big cut itself? We postponed our trip for a bit to PEI and I shuttled back and forth to NYC over the last couple of days. Whether or not I last as long as the shingles, I sure will sleep better.

Good Travel, New Issue

2008-06-27T07:52:00.004-04:00

I read the new travel issue of GOOD magazine yesterday and it had a far different take on travel than most travel reads. They had a piece about 37 places you never knew you wanted to go. Some of the choices were Berkeley Pit in Butte Montana and the Apex Landfill in Clark County, Nevada. While I doubt either will become must see on any ones list, the tongue in cheek piece sure brings lifestyle changes into play.

Another piece was dispatches from places you didn’t think had tourists. Places such as Pakistan and Kosovo were covered there. It basically was reports from writers living in the areas with an opening from Tony Wheeler. Kenya was also covered and I think freelancer Emily Meehan was spot on. I basically had the same opinion on my segment on Around the World Travel Radio. No problem if you travel with your wits, that applies to just about anywhere.

My Favorite Traveling Partner

2008-06-25T16:33:00.003-04:00

The best time of the year is fast approaching, Lil gets done with school . We are going to head up the coast of Maine and then through New Brunswick. Ultimate goal Prince Edward Island, never been there. We have no predetermined stops or reservations, not even a definite time frame. We are traveling for the sake of travel alone, time to share stories of the past year that slipped by. Books waiting to be read will be savored and time to reflect and think.

Pops on the Prairie, Oklahoma

2008-06-21T22:39:00.003-04:00

It is the OKMozart festival time here in Bartlesville and his tunes take precedent, but last night was Pops in Woolaroc. After a BBQ dinner at Dink’s we headed out into the prairie to Frank Phillip’s oilman outpost. The magnificent grounds were filled with families packing cooler dinners and beverages sitting in fold up chairs, reminiscent of a fourth of July from a western. The prairie sky deepened as the orchestra tuned up, French horn pecking from the back of the pack. Soon opera, show and movie tunes filled the night air, friendly claps punctuated between tunes. It was Americana that still has deep roots here in Oklahoma’s northeast. As the medley of western movie music ended the concert, there was hope for more. As the theme for Superman played, magnificent fireworks lit up the sky reflected in the lake below. For just a bit my problems and my countries seemed minimal, pride filled the prairie. Unfortunately dreamy nights and punchy tunes do not last forever, but they do help.

Woolaroc and Frank Phillips, Oilman and His Home

2008-06-21T08:21:00.002-04:00

After learning the sad story of E.W. Marland is was a different twist visiting the homes of Frank Phillips of Phillips 66 fame, he survived the ups and downs of life as an oilman. While “Uncle Frank’s” home in Bartlesville is grand it is his place 12 miles away named Woolaroc that really stands out. Frank built a combination of western log manor and wildlife preserve. He collected western and Native American art and made mixing business and pleasure a tool in his building Phillips Oil. In the card room Frank once put up an oil rig against owner, Barnum’s circus. (Barnum and Bailey’s) Barnum lost but won the circus back later in the weekend. One can almost hear Will Rodgers witty stories told around the poker table. Frank claimed that if he could get a man to visit Woolaroc, he could close a deal. I think he just might have been right.

Backbiting in the Black Gold Fields of Oklahoma

2008-06-20T06:55:00.003-04:00

The oil business here in Oklahoma has a fascinating history, story of wildcatters, huge losses and bigger gains. We went today to the mansion of E. W. Marland who at one time held as much power as Saudi Arabia currently has today in the oil markets. After losing his first million in Penn. E.W. came here and again built a massive fortune. While not well know outside of Oklahoma here he is a considered a saint, donations aplenty for workers and folks living here. His mansion is an amazing look at the wealth built on black gold. The company Marland Oil eventually became Conoco due to some shady moves by J.P. Morgan. Moves that would have had J.P. jailed today, E.W exacted some revenge by becoming congressman and loved governor of this state and vigorously promoting anti- trust laws. His story and that of his family would be a fantastic movie as indeed it just might be soon. The spice in the twisting tale is E.W. marrying his adopted daughter after the death of his first wife. Today we explore the world of Frank Phillips of Phillips 66 fame.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Skyscrapper

2008-06-18T23:51:00.002-04:00

Bartlesville, Oklahoma home of the only Frank Lloyd Wright skyscraper in the world, it also happens to be my hotel. The building was originally designed for NYC but due to the stock crash of 1929 it ended up being built here. The Price Family contacted Wright in 1952 on the advice of local architect Bruce Goff. The family wanted to build headquarters for their oil pipeline company. Tonight it is my hotel! It is amazing in its design and style and a testament to the power of oil in this part of the state. The next few days will take me to derricks and pioneer beginnings. They are down home and comfy in this neck of the woods, the mayor shared an after dinner drink with me and filled me in on some local politics. Best part is his job in non- salaried as is all the committeemen, what local politicians not on a payroll? I am going to like it here.

Travel Press and Commitment

2008-06-17T18:22:00.002-04:00

It has been a very rough couple of days and I had a tough decision to make today, one that I really struggled with. I have a family member that is under going medical treatment though things look good. I committed myself to a press trip to Oklahoma leaving in the morning. I was ready to pull the plug on it but was convinced not to. It wasn’t easy to f eel the choice was right and in fact often I think about all the things I have missed over the years. Family events, birthdays and a host of just plain day to day things that I love when home. That is the one and only downside to travel writing, forget about busy airports and crowded planes.

I am well aware of all the hard work and planning that goes into setting up press visits and though my thoughts will be somewhat occupied this time, I will do what I should. I will learn about the destination and gather the information needed, I will in other words live up to my commitment. I think it was a lesson from my dad that took years to sink in, it’s funny how the important ones get more important as you get older. Decisions aren’t always easy to make, knowing if you made the right one is often a gut call. To bad it isn’t an exact science.

Silence is Golden

2008-06-16T19:43:00.000-04:00

Finnegan Golf Classic

2008-06-14T11:34:00.001-04:00

It was a great day at the Finnegan Golf Classic yesterday to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Course, food and people were all fantastic and the weather superb. An added bonus was our EVK Inc winning the Division II net. While Dillon, Frank and I had flashes of brilliance (Luck) Captain Twiggy was amazing, long straight shots. Best of all though was the amazing amount of volunteer work, great job!

Hanging with Family and Friends

2008-06-13T08:17:00.001-04:00

For the first time in a bit I am putting things on hold for a weekend that will be filled with great events and good times. Today is the Cancer Golf tournament and dinner at Wiltwyck Country Club, a big event here. After my encounter with skin cancer I can not think of a better fundraiser. I play with some great old friends and reconnect with many others. Saturday is a huge barbeque party at my sister Vick’s in honor of my other sister Ellen’s sixtieth as well as all around great guy George (Papa) Barne’s sixtieth also.

The huge white tent and great food mixed with a beautiful setting is something I am really looking forward to. I really haven’t been around much over the last few months and it is time to hang with friends and family and just revel in being with people I truly love. Hope it is a great weekend for all!

Hugeunot St. New Paltz, Cool History

2008-06-11T18:16:00.002-04:00

Though it was a hot day yesterday I got up early to walk Huguenot St. in New Paltz. It is the oldest street in the US that still has the original dwellings. The French Huguenots settled there in 1677 with eleven families and a royal land grant of 39,000 acres. Descendents of those families still make up a good portion of the town today. The street gave me chills in the hot humid air, the guts it took to settle in the midst of the wilderness was sheer bravery. The right to practice their religious beliefs must have had a powerful hold on these French settlers. I copied some pages from a terrific website loaded with history and facts about the houses. So much to see close to home, it is just amazing in a non- Williamsburg way.

http://www.hvnet.com/museums/huguenotst/

Tractor Crossing, New Paltz, NY

2008-06-10T16:16:00.000-04:00

Missing Lapland, No AC Required

2008-06-09T18:13:00.003-04:00

As I was picking out pictures for the GN piece on my recent trip to Lapland I thought I would post a few to cool us in the NE down. The heat index was at about 102% in Cottekill today and I sure thought about the well below zero March trip! As a travel editor I really do not let local weather affect me to much, after all when flowers started blooming here I spent days in April skiing in the French Alps. On the same note I have dealt with massive heat and humidity in Guatemala while my hometown buds were filling wood stoves. Lil and I are heading up the NE coast of Canada soon and I will pack for all types of weather, till then I will just write and wilt!

Blooms in Cottekill

2008-06-08T18:39:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite things about traveling is snapping photos. Home now for five days and I was compelled to head out to the yard and take some pictures of the flowers that are sprouting up around the yard. I once saw a sign, "the earth is painted by flowers". So true here in Cottekill, the palate is prepared!

Travel Locally NYC Folks, Ulster County is Ready

2008-06-06T15:57:00.006-04:00

We got some good news here in Ulster County, unfortunately it stems from bad news in the US. According to an Ulster County Press article, Judy Randall, president and CEO of Randall Travel Marketing, says,” the rising cost of gas and food not to mention airfare, will play right into the Valley’s hands” I am optimistic but a bit worried, our proximity to NYC should always play a big part in local tourism but I haven’t seen much of it over the years. Yet after a few ten dollar cups of coffee and eight dollar chocolate bars recently run into in Europe nothing travel wise surprises me. I can only hope enough NYC folks will battle the rising cost of fuel and head up to one of the prettiest places I’ve seen and I have seen plenty. Perhaps like some restaurants and shops in the Hamptons we should start taking the Euro, like I said I am optimistic!

Smiling

2008-06-05T05:19:00.002-04:00

Claire Mangers Assoc., MaMaison Hotels and Malev, A Holy Trinity

2008-06-04T17:22:00.003-04:00

Imagine planning a trip for a group of travel writers, gives me the willies! Each writer, myself included has their own agenda and needs and are none to quiet about it. One likes a long meal another wishes to eat and run. Some want to be free to roam and others like being led. Bitching comes easy, it seems to be part of a travel writer’s makeup and I often wonder what those on the marketing side feel. It is a job that takes special skills and tons of patience. While waiting in the Business Lounge at Warsaw I though about what went into making my trip to Budapest and Warsaw and corralled three pros for a picture, they deserve kudos.

Claire, from Claire Mangers Associates, J.J. Doran, Director of Marketing for MaMaison and Roberta Santha, Sales Development Manager for Malev Airlines deserve a few words of thanks for putting together a great trip. There was time to explore and meals filled with wonderful dishes and laughter, the hotels fantastic and an airline with great onboard service a dream. I often think that the work that goes into planning a trip for writers would be worse than being a doorman in hell! In fact that just maybe my fate, gives me the willies!

Communists Jokes, Laughter for Releif

2008-06-03T19:38:00.004-04:00

While flying to Warsaw on Sunday I read my favorite newspaper the Financial Times, it is filled with fun facts. In the Life & Arts section they had a piece about Ben Lewis and his new book Hammer & Tickle. The book studies the jokes and their causes and effects during the communist period and in Eastern Block countries. Joking could be a laughing and dying matter. When Stalin, “suggested” that Warsaw build a huge building to praise the Soviets the Building of Arts and Culture was erected. The joke at the time was if you wanted to see how beautiful Warsaw was, it was best done from the top of the building. A least that way you didn’t have to see the building itself. I asked fellow traveler Ken Kiesnoski from Travel Weekly a question as we walked around Warsaw later that Sunday; he has been to Poland several times. How did the communists deal with Poland’s deep religious beliefs? He told me of another Stalin witticism, getting Poland to go communist was like saddling a cow. Humor is a relief during hard times, sometimes it was all there was. At least a Bush joke will not get you sent to Siberia.

Chopin Vodka at the Le Regina, Warsaw

2008-06-02T18:58:00.002-04:00

It was a very busy night last night at the Le Regina Hotel, MaMaison in Warsaw, one filled with great food and spirits. We met Mr. Tadeusz Dorda chief honcho of Chopin Vodka for a bit of vodka tasting. The end result was some creamy and soft vodka sipping followed by a perfect vodka martini in the cozy lobby bar in the hotel. After we had a seven course dinner out in the courtyard, center piece was some fantastic venison rolled in hazelnuts and honey, fantastic.

Le Regina, and Walking Through Warsaw

2008-06-02T03:06:00.003-04:00

Warsaw has far exceeded my expectations and I love it when a new destination does that. Though destroyed by 85% during WWII it has been painstakingly rebuilt with amazing detail. The Hotel Le Regina MaMaison is set close to the heart of the old city and is a stunning place to stay. The one time US Embassy has been redone to perfection and is an oasis in a city that has so many layers and elements. It is my guess that one day soon Warsaw will take its place as a top destination in the “New Europe”. Yesterday we visited Old Town, the Ghetto section (heart breaking) and the Lazienki Park. The Park was beautiful and the old palaces and extensive gardens perfect for an afternoon stroll. The walk back through town during glow time was a great way to get an essence of this city. Especially after a fabulous meal at the Belvedere restaurant, its dishes fit for a king.