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The Calgary Stampede, The US 4th of July

2009-07-04T21:00:00.001-04:00

It was so nice of the Calgary Stampede people to have played the US national anthem at the opening of the rodeo today as well as their own, a class act. I am rarely away during the 4th of July so it was gratifying and I salute the Stampede. Some of the top riders are American and in fact 10% of Calgary is US expats.

To be in the chutes as the bronco horses were let out was also an amazing experience, better in the chute than on the back of one. One gains a respect for those brave or crazy enough to climb on and ride. All in all I have become a rodeo fan, especially of the world’s biggest outdoor show, the Calgary Stampede.

Calgary Tower, a Beacon

2009-07-04T10:10:00.003-04:00

It is the last thing I saw from my huge and wonderful bed at the Calgary Marriott last night and the first thing I saw this morning, the Calgary Tower. The structure rises 626 ft into the sky and is a landmark here in Calgary. At one time it was the tallest structure here but petrol dollars brought skyscrapers. Still it is the skyline star.

Stephen Ave. Walk Calgary

2009-07-03T21:26:00.000-04:00

Got my boots, check, hat, jeans and cowboy shirt, check, check and check, now ready for Calgary. I walked Stephen Ave. after checking into the Marriott and enjoyed watching the excitement build for the start of the Calgary Stampede. Calgary has already impressed me with its vibe it buzzes. It is a young city the average age is 30 and I can tell that it rocks. The cowboy hats are out in full force and the streets are lively, let the games begin!

A Nominator for National Geographic Traveler

2009-07-01T09:42:00.002-04:00

I love unique hotels; they do not have to be fancy or big bucks to be great. I was honored with an email from Beth Lizardo from National Geographic Traveler, to see if I would be interested in being a part of a panel of nominators for hotels in the British Isles and Ireland. Indeed my recent trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland provided a few that fit the bill.

The criteria for possible inclusion in the April 2010 issue are:

As a travel professional, you are in a unique position to nominate one or more hotels (with 6 or more rooms) within the British Isles and Ireland that enhance a traveler's "sense of place" experience. And by "sense of place" we mean hotels that wholeheartedly reflect the spirit of their locations both in practice and aesthetic. When thinking about which hotels to nominate, useful questions to ask yourself are: Does the architecture reflect its location? Does it engage in eco-sustainable practices? Serve local food? And most important, does it offer guests good service and a unique experience as opposed to one that could be had anywhere in the world?

"The Week", Heading to the Calgary Stampede

2009-06-30T09:37:00.001-04:00

In Calgary it is known simply as, “The Week”. To people everywhere is is known as a city’s celebration of its Wild West roots. It is not just the cattlemen that slick up in their best boots, oilmen, bankers and citizens alike join in a raucous event. It is said that even the most uptight will find themselves screaming Yahoo! It is also said that nine months after the Stampede the birth rate in Calgary rises, dramatically.

These bovine VT beauties pictured above wouldn’t stand a chance up in Calgary during the Stampede. I have also got to wonder how this east coast, milk toast, country boy will handle events in Canada’s biggest cow town. It has been years since I sauntered up to the bar in my old cowboy boots!

Brazil Beats the US in Confederation Cup 2009

2009-06-29T08:50:00.002-04:00

As a high school soccer player I remember vividly the huge crowds the football team got to their games. I also recall how when living in Scottsdale every Saturday the local school grounds were packed with kids playing soccer. Hell the term soccer mom was used constantly during the Clinton years.

The final Confederations Cup game in South Africa was a stinging loss for an amazing US Team, 3 to 2. Brazil took the title. The reason is clear if you have ever been to Brazil, the game is played everywhere. From huge stadiums to garbage strewn alleys the game is played. I happened upon this pick up game in Porto de Galinas this spring. The setting was perfect and the play inspirational.

The Blue Eye and Worry Beads

2009-06-28T15:51:00.002-04:00

Superstition runs deep in Greece, evil eye and bad wishes can be warded off though. The blue eye protects and just in case you do not believe it, the worry beads relieve the stress.

Fantastic Greek Food

2009-06-27T09:40:00.004-04:00

The Greeks like to eat and eat well. Before massive plates come out there is the matter of Meze, little plates of food to go with drinks. Sardines, olives or keftedes (little meatballs seasoned with mint) can be found everywhere. Actually I found more effort put into these little dishes than major meals in other countries.

Feta is the best known cheese but some other great ones are Kasseri and Misithir, both superb. Fish is the king of Greek cuisine and in seafood places you will often get Tarama salta or fish row salad as a starter. Of course the main dishes are varied but two of my favorites were Kalamarakia (squid) and Garides (Shrimp) cooked with olive oil and lemon. Matt Barrett has a wonderful site on all things pertaining to Greek food.

A Quick look at Hydra Harbor, Greece

2009-06-25T06:20:00.002-04:00

Last Day in Athens

2009-06-23T11:40:00.005-04:00

It has been one hectic last day here in Athens as I returned to some sights and dropped by some new ones. From the Plaka to the upscale Kolonaki, changing of the guard to a lunch of Gyros with Tzatziki, miles walked to work it off. I ended with a huge up hill hike to get back to my room at the St George Lycabettus.

There is time for a dip in the roof top pool with the Acropolis changing colors in the setting of the sun. Ah, Athens you are so gracious and beautiful! Thanks to the GNTO and FB friends Karen Davis Athanassiadis and Ellen Peruso for sending suggestions and keeping me company from far away.

The New Acropolis Musem, Holding the Marbles

2009-06-23T01:51:00.001-04:00

The new Acropolis Museum is now officially open and was the reason for my visit to Athens. The building designed by New York based architect Bernard Tschumi and is ultra modern with the building lending itself to light and space. Most interesting however were the columns that allow the archeological remains below to be seen yet protected.

The Museum also brings up the point of the Elgin Marbles that are in the British Museum. Many believe that after 207 years they should be returned to Greece and placed in the new museum. The basis of them not being returned were lack of a suitable viewing space. That argument is now finished

Father's Day in Greece

2009-06-22T16:08:00.001-04:00

While listening to, “why must I always explain “by Van the Man and “the magic rat” by the Boss, I also listened to some Third Eye Blind tonight. While my son Chance is so over them I am not, I was late to listen. I thought about a tow headed blond kid being the only gringo on a many of Mexico’s beaches, a kid whose smile always delighted me. I still smile at thoughts of it.

I haven’t had much time to spend with Chance lately that happens when you get older and less fun. I got a great email from him yesterday that made me think a lot about him. He has grown up and lives his own life now, but still to me is that kid! That one that shines brightly and full of joy and wonder, the one that has grown into a fine young man, may you reach your dreams.

Greece Paced Just Right

2009-06-22T11:51:00.001-04:00

After several nights of hobnobbing and press events in Athens it feels great to be just chilling. The pace set by the Greeks was fast, furious and fun. Dinners often stretched into a one or two A.M. event, last night we were still sitting in the plaka outside till the wee morning hours after a concert of tango stars from the 50’s in from Argentina. The setting from the show stunning as it was the oldest theater in Athens and under the Parthenon and Acropolis.

Tonight I watch the glow from a sinking sun and contemplate just what fish grilled in olive oil to pick, the wine a choice from years ago when I traveled the islands here. The boats bob and I sway to music from the itouch. The travel styles polar opposite, both a part of my life, I lift a glass to you all!

Life on Hyrda

2009-06-22T03:24:00.000-04:00

The sea is a way of life in Greece and Athens is its terminus, hundreds of ships come and go. In about an hour and a half you can get to the island of Hydra soak in island life. The town has fishing boats and a harbor side that will delight the hardest core sun worshipper. Donkeys and fishermen seem to be the only working creatures inhabiting the island all the rest seem as if in a state of island bliss.

Morning Thoughts in Athens

2009-06-19T01:22:00.001-04:00

It can become a bit intimidating, being on the road a lot, there are warning signs that cannot be ignored. Your suitcase gets a personality and even a gender, you are attached. You live for your email and facebook messages instead of taking a walk around after dinner. You count on wake up calls but you awake before they come. City maps aren’t needed because you are taken to see the sites is a huge tip off.

It is then that you have to think how lucky you are, and appreciate what is on your plate. The world is a huge buffet and you are pigging out! Places most dream of seeing are there before your eyes. You realize that you know thank you and please in several languages and you use them. You talk with people that you normally would pass by and a smile is really a wonderful thing to experience, as it should be. It is a beautiful sunny morning here in Athens and the Acropolis is right out my window. The sea is just past and blue as an albino cats eyes. The hostess at breakfast asks how you are feeling and it feels like she cares. When on the road it is the little things that gain importance as well as the amazing things you see. You promise yourself to remember that for the whole beautiful day.

Down Time In Athens

2009-06-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

I am sitting on my balcony with a few spare hours, which means the next 2 days will be filled with events for the new Acropolis Museum opening, press first. Tonight is the formal dinner with the Minister of Tourism and just us.

Lunch in the Platka (old city) was a taste bud delight with feta, olive oil, cukes and grilled shrimp. After we all headed out on our own and I chose to explore the Platka. The way of life here is slow paced and relaxed. Cafes filled with people and strollers galore.

I am revealing in the changing colors of the Acropolis as I sit and write, every few minutes the whole city changes below. The rare few hours of alone time are well used.

Hotel in Athens

2009-06-18T05:44:00.001-04:00

I am loving my hotel here in Athens, the St George Lycabettus. The view from my balcony over looks the Acropolis and the roof top pool fabulous. fast paced trip but the city is just stunning!

David Farley's Irreverent Curiosity

2009-06-14T17:34:00.005-04:00

I had fully intended to take Farley’s new book An Irreverent Curiosity with me to Greece but I made the mistake of starting it this weekend. Bad move, I plowed through it and had a ball! The book is all about a man’s obsession with one of the Catholic religion’s most unusual relics, the foreskin of Jesus. For a few years I’ve been bugging David about the book, it was well worth waiting for. Only he could make one of Italy’s strangest towns seem somehow sane, at least with a few bottles of red. A great read! Check out more good reading at the Restless Legs site, better yet head down to Lolita’s in NYC and meet some of today's best writers.

Ward Todd, Business in China

2009-06-14T05:51:00.001-04:00

Out of the box, that’s the way I like it. It is also just one reason I am so impressed with the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Ulster County, Ward Todd. Ward is with a delegation right now in China, representing some local business people from Ulster. Imagine us selling to China, what a great idea, and one that is totally possible. China is poised to be a if not the wave of the future. At least as far as consuming goes.I have been there and seen the future.

From Beijing to Tianjin and points in between Ward is showing our goods and a better rep I couldn’t think of. A man who looks forward is never left behind!

Jet Lagged

2009-06-12T17:20:00.001-04:00

The question I get asked most often recently is all about jet lag, that nasty byproduct of moving across time zones. The truth is I rarely get it, I do not have time. Today however I am feeling a bit off kilter and slow. I tried to get right into the time frame, up early, coffee and even a little lawn mowing. Right now after a small nap, I nod at my desk even after a cup of coffee. It has been a very busy winter and spring with trips that were far flung, Queensland, Italy, Brazil, China and yesterdays return from Germany. I am sure I missed a couple, but I can always go to past blog pages to figure it all out.

In a couple of days I head to Greece for the opening of the New Acropolis Museum and some gala events. I will be getting a tour of the museum by Mr. Bernard Tschumi the American who designed the New Acropolis Museum. The time for jet lag is limited to today and today only, too much to see out there.

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Karl Marx's House

2009-06-11T05:58:00.000-04:00

His words changed the world yet he was somewhat a flop. He dragged his family through hell and loved the good life. He was Karl Marx and he was born in Trier, Germany. His birth house is a museum and heavily visited. The most devoted pilgrims to the museum are the people of China. It shows as the neighborhood is filled with Chinese restaurants and shops. Move over Mao.

A Visit With Moselle Royalty

2009-06-10T02:47:00.001-04:00

It is all about the slate in Moselle wine country and Mayor Berg makes that clear several times. Far below the Moselle River meanders and a patchwork of various shades of green lay. Those poor vineyards are just flatlanders, filler juice for lesser wines. At the top of Europe’s steepest vineyards I sit amongst royalty, the vines that sit in slate and suck down sun, their fragrance deep.

In the soft blowing wind Mayor Berg pours me a glass of straw colored Riesling, I sip he smiles, and he knows what my reaction will be. I try to hold back my joy, useless. All too soon I hop on the wagon attached to a very small engine and head down the steep slope, my visit with royalty is over.

Tough Day Made Easier, Meeting Old and New Friends

2009-06-09T12:40:00.002-04:00

We all made the decision to bike today even though the total of yesterday was 35 miles. Today a small 25 miles but a group bonding event, tough times bring out the inner person. None of us except Becca are anywhere near being bikers. We stopped for lunch in a quaint village and got bread and cheese, simple to match our moods. Huge thunder storm passed by as we sheltered in an old barn, man against nature it seemed. Even as I sit now in Treir huge hail is battering my window.

One great part of this trip was the chance to travel again with my friend Becca, a very talented writer. I have had the privilege to have traveled with Becca several times before and her upbeat attitude is always uplifting. Better yet is the chance to meet her daughter Lizzy, a lovely young lady soon heading to Smith College. There is something so cool meeting a daughter of a colleague, one whose name I have heard for years. Thanks ladies for making a tough day easy.

Chioces on the Moselle River

2009-06-09T02:42:00.001-04:00

I had some options to consider today so I do what I always do when faced with choices, I walk. Sometimes when I’ve been on the road a lot even the smallest things take consideration, morning is the time to handle things and think. I had a most pretty place to stroll along the Moselle, even in the steel colored morning. Swans followed as I headed down current away from the city. The dark waters in a chocolate hue were soothing and relaxing and I was enjoying my own company. That in itself was great, I spend a lot of time with me so I need to keep better in touch. I started with the big things on my mind and worked my way down to the smaller issues, bike or boat? If only all choices could be so petty. Still deciding on the easy ones makes the hard ones easier.

Best Hotel In Moselle!

2009-06-08T13:11:00.000-04:00

The hard part of staying in a fantastic hotel is that you are alone; I want to share this one! Romantik Jugendstil Hotel Bellevue in Traben-Trarbach, Germany so fantastic!!