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Let’s hear it for National New York Day

21st September 202521st September 2025 funtime65

And it is a thing, which celebrates America’s Fab 50, so today let’s hear it for National New York Day.

New York State, which I don’t have to tell you, is the 11th state of the union, endorsed by Alexander Hamilton.

And this being the 11th week since Delaware, the first American state, is honoured, the focus is on the Empire State today.

For many of us the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River and NY is our gateway to America.

And a year before Lady Liberty took her rightful place, one Frederick Trump, The Donald’s dad, arrived from Bremen.

Which means that this year, October 19, marks a very significant milestone, 150 years of the Trumps in the Oo Es of Eh.

NY’s Greatest Living Son

New York’s Greatest Living Son (sorry Jimmy Kimmel) will be delighted then that he got the endorsement, of sorts, of another NY great.

And one who is carved into the stone at Mount Rushmore, Teddy Roosevelt.

When promoting the Roosevelt Presidential Park in North Dakota at the American Travel Fare in Chicago.

And doffing his Raiders hat to the 47th President when saying that, yes, he is a New York City prez.

But he, Teddy, is the only Commander in Chief from Manhattan.

The famous five

Frankly Franklin: Franklin Delano Roosevelt

In all there have been five US Presidents from New York State.

And we should always remember that New York is a state, Teddy’s rellie Franklin, Martin Van Buren and Millard Fillmore.

Which, of course, is a gateway to the other great towns of New York State.

Which in Van Buren, the 8th President’s case, and the first to be born in the post-colonial USA, that means Albany.

For Fillmore, home is the lyrically named the Finger Lakes Area (Moravia).

While Hyde Park is synonymous with FDR.

All ways then to mark National New York Day by toasting all the Presidents then.

Tuck in to NY State food

Which brings us on to which NY food and drink you should take.

And our favourite would always be Buffalo Wings while for the healthier it might be a Waldorf Salad.

And maybe a Knickerbocker ice cream to follow.

While we suggest you go all out with a cocktail, say a Long Island Iced Tea.

So let’s hear it for National New York Day.

And we found an Aer Lingus each way flight through Dublin with pre-clearance from €614.08

America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Music, Sport

When Ne-Yo gave me everything

10th September 202510th September 2025 funtime65

It always pays to be up the front which is how I came away with a prized possession when Ne-Yo gave me everything in the USA.

When I came to reach highest to grab his sweat towel just at the point when he was belting out his classic toon with Pitbull.

And yeah, picture me with a Kodak, although we had moved on from that by 2017.

And our friends from the American Travel Fair in Washington DC boomeranged us holding the precious cloth later on.

All of which memories came flooding back as news pinged in my inbox of Pitbull’s much-anticipated run in Las Vegas.

Tonight, let’s enjoy life

Pitbull is taking the party to the Neon City this weekend, Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.

As part of his Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency.

Short notice we grant you but you might want to come back on November 21 and 22.

And a hint there for someone with that week being when I’ll have marked up six decades on this third rock from the sun.

This being Vegas there’s always a fight going on with this weekend seeing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford going at it at the Allegiant Stadium.

Although Vegas brings out the lovers not the fighters in us.

Whether that was the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage back in the day.

Or dancing to the Whip-Its with Cami from Utah off the Strip.

The Big Fight

Spell it out: Muhammad Ali at the Hall of Excellence

Not that we don’t enjoy watching a good fight or wrapping ourselves up in boxing memorabilia, hype and thunder.

Channel your inner Muhammad Ali then at the Hall of Excellence where The Greatest’s boxing gloves are on display.

Along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings.

Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, our old pal from Huntington Beach Snoop Dogg, and Morgan Freeman.

Think outside the box

In her shoes: The ruby slippers at the Sphere

If, of course, its showmanship you’re after follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere for a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz.

Which is expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen.

You’ll be wrapped in colour and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air.

And we got a whiff of how much fun these shows are from taking in Shrek at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside.

Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.

And because we always try to fly out of Ireland because, well because, but also its preclearance.

Aer Lingus flies nonstop from Dublin with fares starting at €206.61 each way.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying

Today’s Roman Holiday at 1950s Norwegian prices

26th August 202526th August 2025 funtime65

And as La Citta Eterna has always been on an American’s bucket list we bring you today’s Roman Holiday at 1950s Norwegian prices.

The beauty of Rome, of course, is in its sobriquet, it really hasn’t changed since Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s days.

As a crown princess and American photographer whizzing about the piazzas in a Vespa.

And thanks to budget transatlantic airline Norse Atlantic Airways we can have our own Roman Holiday from $129 from New York to Rome.

Although you might prefer to travel like Princess Ann which Norse offer in their premium class.

Do it yourself

Ann and Joe’s adventures were, of course, self-guided and we’d advise that too.

Having used the day and a half at the end of our Via Francigena pilgrimage into the Vatican to explore Roma a piedi, on foot.

Our friends at gpsmycity have mapped out a suggested Roman Holiday itinerary.

Chief among them the Spanish Steps, where Ann scoops up gelato.

Full Ponte: Your view from the Sant Angelo Castle

Romanophiles will tell you it is one of the best vistas in the Italian capital looking out on to the Vatican.

Scoping the other way atop Sant Angelo Castle has been the prime location of popes and plebs.

And where Ann and Joe indulged in mischief under the twinkling lights and shared a dance on the banks of the Tiber.

Fountain of truth

Of course, nobody, American or otherwise, princess or pauper, can visit Rome without throwing three coins in the fountain.

To ensure that you’ll return, and we will.

Although, whisper it, we can’t recall the barber shop near the Trevi Fountain still being there.

From when Ann shed her royal tresses.

All part of your GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet.

But it’s still today’s Roman Holiday at 1950s Norwegian prices.

Countries, Flying

Airport drinks and the Ryanair solution

25th August 202525th August 2025 funtime65

You’re sipping apple tea in dry Male in the Maldives, off your Turkish Airlines overnighter, and thinking about airport drinks and the Ryanair solution.

Well, maybe not then, as well as being dog tired despite the business class sleep on board from Istanbul, via Dublin.

And the fact that Michael O’Leary was still to formulate the idea in that massive, overactive brain of his.

But the news of a whopping 41% rise in trouble at Scottish airports, and we dare say that’s replicated in similar airports, has us agreeing.

Two drink or not to drink

The bould Michael is suggesting a two-drink limit for passengers before getting on flights.

Which might at first sound draconic but us Jocks aren’t even allowed a drink when attending football grounds to limit the risks of violence.

Airport drinking has, of course, become a custom of holidaying , helped along by the ubiquitous Weatherspoon.

Only for every happy drunk there are leary louts who kick off at the check-out desk.

When they’re told their luggage doesn’t fit and they have to pay an excess fee.

And all before they get on the plane and top up.

Thou shalt not pass

Of course, in the worst cases the yobs on tour will end up abusing the cabin crew and fellow passengers.

And even cause the plane to be diverted for an emergency landing.

All of which disruption can be allayed by following Michael’s solution.

And insisting that passengers show their boarding passes as we do in the gift shops, stationers and pharmacists.

And that way being blocked after two drinks.

Cheers to Ryanair

Let’s dance: You can enjoy yourself without being drunk

Now 19-year-old Bandanaman who drank our transatlantic flight from London to JFK dry.

With my old much-lamented party animal Toothy dry would disapprove.

But two drinks should be enough for anybody before they board their flight.

Even those who are nervous fliers and we sympathise.

Now far from wanting to be accused of being a Grinch we should surely look at this for the sake of all passengers.

Because this is the brainchild of the great promoter of budget travel.

Who has been known to give a free drink to passengers after a successful Cheltenham.

Airport drinks and the Ryanair solution, maybe we’ll all look back in the future and sigh that it was ever any other way.

Countries, Flying

We do have our baggage

6th July 20256th July 2025 funtime65

We do have our baggage but sometimes that’s what makes the trip so interesting, which is why we won’t get fined for excess luggage.

The perennial problem of fines at the gate has been ramped up.

With revelations over EasyJet putting ground staff on commission.

For fining customers in the line for breaking the weight limit on their carry-on luggage.

Portable essentials

First things first the best answer to the EasyJetstapo (now I’ve done it) is to not give them the chance to fine you.

The £48 fee charged for oversized bags from which the staff get £1.20 each piece.

Now drilling down, easyJet’s free allowance is a generous 45x36x20cm which you must be able to put under your seat.

And that poses this question… why should that not be enough for your portable essentials?

Because isn’t everything available to be bought at whichever destination you and your family are headed?

The rulebreakers

The last resort: Say a little prayer for me

And the stress and cost of paying a fine is not restricted to those who don’t follow the rules.

As we all know from being held up at the gate.

When a traveller argues the toss with the ground crew over paying.

Which incidentally they always do as the alternative of having your boarding pass blocked sharpens the mind.

The follow-up

That lost time and further delays when passengers clog up the airplane aisles trying to cram in bags to overload lockers which you never get back.

As I found out to my cost on my recent linked flight with Aer Lingus from Edinburgh through Dublin to Chicago.

With our already delayed flight disrupted further because of a couple’s intransigence.

Yes, we do all have our baggage.

And credit here to the flight crew, who remained firm and fair.

Reminding everyone that the sooner bags were put in lockers the quicker we’d get there.

Hotfooting it to the gate

Now as a half-full sort I looked back on my experience with relief.

That I made my transatlantic flight at a, albeit with ten minutes to spare.

And pre-clearance completed, a great advantage of flying out of Dublin Airport.

But my luggage did not.

Understandable because humans on legs can get to the gate and on the plane quicker than luggage on wheels.

Good to go

Of course, every action has a reaction.

And so when I got to Chicago O’Hare Airport I did so without my suitcase.

Which turned up at my Palmer House a Hilton Hotel a full three full days later a day before I was due to leave.

Of course, looking back the support desk at the carousel were very helpful.

In helping me fill out the form and keep my reference number.

While I also got to know the bell hops at the hotel very well.

From checking constantly if my yellow suitcase had arrived.

And allowing me to use their phone to check of the luggage’s status.

While there was also a very accommodating mobile phone assistant who helped me top up my credit when that ran out.

As well as Ivan, my man on the inside at Aer Lingus, who smoothed the process and reunited suitcase with Scotsman.

Aye, we do have our baggage.

And it would help if we all considered each other and brought the right-sized bags to the gate.

Central America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin

21st May 202521st May 2025 funtime65

I’ve done the Guadalaharry ole, hung with The Three Caballeros and sung Mariachi so I reckon I’m Mex-ready now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin.

Guadalaharry’s was my first introduction to American working life.

If you discount being pressganged into moving dumpsters at the back of my aunt’s business The Irish Cottage in Queens.

A Mexican restaurant in Quincy Market in Boston back in the Eighties, I was employed as a bus boy .

And I was rewarded with a pittance and a cut of the waiters and waitresses’ tips.

And as well as clearing up the dishes and washing them I had to join the staff in celebrating customers’ birthdays.

Which involved Mariachi music and a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday from Harry’s, Happy Birthday oleeeeeeee.

Mariachi Murty

Not surprisingly the mariachi band who entertained us in Orlando years later hit their notes rather better.

And Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros at Epcot, well they have had years of practice.

While when it comes to Tex-Mex, well the San Antonians on the River Walk bandstand no doubt learned it at their mother’s knee.

And their love of Cerveza at their father’s.

A new Mexican wave

Because after all the Lone Star state of Texas is infused with Mexican heritage.

Where the lines have been blurred over the centuries and the best compromise of all is the sobriquet Tex-Mex.

Less well known probably is that Scots and Irish, my mixed bloods, enmeshed themselves in the rows between neighbours down in this part of the world.

With a bagpiper heralding the Battle of the Alamo and Irish emigrees too fighting to the death.

Today’s Scots and Irish head to Tex-Mex territory and the motherland for Tequila and Tacos and sun, sea, sand and sangria.

But up until today’s Aer Lingus announcement of direct routes from Dublin to Cancun that has involved circuitous stop-offs.

Ireland’s national carrier will operate three times weekly on the airline’s A330-300 aircraft, operating from 6 January to 29 April.

Cancun cookin’

Of course, if you want to wander from the Caribbean beaches, the region is also home to awe-inspiring archaeological sites.

Such as El Rey, Ichkabal, Coba, Kohunlich, El Meco, Chichén Itzá, and Tulum.

All of which offer a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage.

And because we got a taste for the enchilada back then in Guadalaharry’s we’re keen to tuck into the local fare.

And Cancun offers a wide choice from the smoky, charred richness of grilled meats to the region’s iconic zesty ceviche.

From Lobster Pizza, Queso De Bola,crispy sweet Marquesitas or freshly made Guacamole.

Friends across the water

And all this as Ireland and Mexico mark the 50th anniversary.

Of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

So it’s Areeba, Areeba from us and now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin we know what we’ll be doing in 2026.

Particularly with flights to Cancun available from €291 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.

Countries, Flying

Shorter queues for Brits a passport to success

18th May 202518th May 2025 funtime65

And after the shuddering shock of Eurovision some good news today with shorter queues for Brits a passport to success.

It would come as little surprise for ESC followers to see Britain languishing way behind winners Austria.

But to get nil points in the worldwide public vote has been a wake-up call on how Britain is seen globally.

Britphobia is most visible when we’re in airports which hopefully will be relaxed through current Britain-EU talks.

You’ll recognise Brits by our accents or by us drinking in bars first thing in the morning.

But also by us hived off since Brexit into our own queue like pariahs.

Ich bin ein Britainer

Brit’s all right: Sixth on passport index

And we’ll all have seen signs such as those we found in Berlin.

Advising Brits to leave an extra couple of hours to get through customs.

Of course, few would suggest us going back to a world without passports which existed before the First World War.

And the British book is still much sought after although not as in demand as the Irish document.

Sixth sense

The Brits in sixth on the Henley Passport Index and Guide Passport Index.

Behind Ireland in third equal alongside France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Finland.

With the Asians leading the way with Singapore ahead of Japan and South Korea.

We are guilty of taking respect which has been earned over generations for granted.

Bordering on the sensible

As I discovered when I crossed paths with international traveller Merry who told me of her difficulties as a Bangladeshi.

With her document ranked 95th in the Index causing all manner of visa challenges.

Would, of course, that we had the seamless crossing of borders that we found in moving from Austria and Germany.

Over the Tyrolian Alps and passing through an unmanned gate and landing obviously taking a selfie for prosperity.

That we could soon see e-gates to improve the flow of British travellers through European customs is a start.

And provide shorter queues for Brits a passport to success.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown

13th May 202513th May 2025 funtime65

The hour has arrived and Ireland is ready, so steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown with confirmation of a regular season game this autumn at Croke Park.

The big touchdown has been 30 years in the planning and will be a homecoming of sorts for the Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers who are rooted in Ireland.

Long-term American Football fans speak wistfully about the Pride of Pennsylvania, the Steelers’ visit to Dublin back in 1997 for a pre-season game against the Chicago Bears.

But there will be more than a passing connection too in the Minnesota Vikings through head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The Viking Irish

Despite the moniker Minnesota boasts a large Irish community.

Dating back to three demob soldiers in 1838, who will no doubt see the historic game as an opportunity to ‘come home.’

Minnesotans will, of course, be able to avail of direct routes from Minneapolis-Saint Paul with Aer Lingus.

One of 18 transatlantic routes it operates, and with pre-clearance.

Back in the late 19th century the flow of peoples was very much going westwards.

With Archbishop John Ireland a pied piper for Irish from the eastern seaboard and further afield.

The good cleric even attempted to settle his compatriots from the Old Sod.

In an area that reflected their roots, Connemara Patch around Graceville in 1880.

The immigrants who spoke only the Irish language struggled in the new colony.

Because of the cold but they were assimilated into greater Minnesota.

Minnesota mini-Ireland

Irish life and culture is rightly celebrated to this very day.

Every August the Irish Fair of Minnesota sees Irish-Americans come out in force for the craic.

Where you can dance, drink (this is Dyland and Prince’s state), sing and even learn how to play the bodhran (see picture). And all for free.

Being Irish too they take great pride in their St Paddy’s Day festivities in March in Saint Paul which date back as far as 1851.

When 300 waved the flag, made and listened to speeches.

And, of course, the Irish need little encouragement there, and fired a salute.

More surprising perhaps is the part played in early parades by The Irish Catholic Temperance Society.

With the 1956 iteration seeing the Benevolent Society of Erin host a dinner complete with toasts of cold water.

Croker is the real thing

Move aside: Croke Park, the home of the GAA

Thankfully these days since the revival of the parades in 1967, they have replaced the uisce (water) with uisce beatha (water of life/whiskey).

And now 100,000 revellers take to the streets with the Irish Music and Dance Association hosting dancing and live music.

All of which will be on display in Dublin’s Croke Park and throughout the city on Sunday, September 28.

Win lose or draw.

So steel yourself Dublin for NFL touchdown whether it’s Pittsburgh steel or the sharpness of a Minnesota Viking.

And for visitors from these shores to Minnesota-Saint Paul will shell out only €548.25 for flights with Ireland’s national airline carrier.

Countries, Flying

Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes

11th April 202511th April 2025 funtime65

And the answer to all our prayers, yes the return of an old favourite feature on this site and the end of another, Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes.

Boarding passes can, of course, be the bane of our lives as we pad our pockets a hundred times on the day of our departure.

And still doubt ourselves that they haven’t dropped out of our pockets or we’ve left them behind.

A lifetime of passes

Answer to our prayers: Facial recognition

Here’s a thing though, since uploading the passes to our phones and Rynair are planning on getting rid of all paper passes I’ve been getting nostalgic.

But for the Scary One and her constant spring cleaning of my War Room (I put pins in the destinations of a wall atlas) I’d still have a pile of my old passes.

With markers from everywhere from the Maldives, South Africa and Jordan to Morocco, the Caribbean and all across the States.

All of which act as mementoes which let you daydream and drift off to exotic climes.

On cold, wet, dark days of which there are many in Scotland.

And when you’ve got a list of chores around the house which you need to avoid.

Face values

Find your gate: It may be further than you think

Now we have the International Civil Aviation Organisation to thank.

For this new revolution in aviation travel.

The UN body wants to create a new ‘digital travel credential’ within ‘two to three years’.

Allowing passport information stored on devices and used for travel.

And meaning that you will be able to download ‘a journey pass’ where your face will be your key.

Of course, if you’re one of those accidental tourists, of which I can count myself a paid-up member.

You’d forget your head

Then there will be other challenges.

Such as not leaving your mobile phone behind.

As I did on my MLK50 odyssey through the Deep South.

And had to have a courier chase our coach 100 miles up country to reunite man with mobile.

Or misreading my airline and going to the wrong Lufthansa gate in Munich airport.

And despite breaking the speed record across terminals.

Having to lean on the stern but generous Bertha at the counter to move my flight.

So that I could hook up with my party in Athens.

But that’s another story.

I need now to readjust for the future, it’s all part of the ever-changing landscape that is, Holidos and Don’ts – no more boarding passes.

Canada, Countries, Flying, Sport

Canada party on dude

23rd March 202523rd March 2025 funtime65

Yes way, new prime minister Mark Carney is pulling out all the stops with Mike Myers as they assert independence and say… Canada party on dude.

Myers didn’t so much wrap himself in the flag in the promo vid than pad up in ice hockey top with a message for America.

And so Carney cheekily tested the great comedian’s authenticity as an American because he’s Hollywood’s based.

And set him a number of quick fire questions.

Which we presume are easy for Canadians.

You a Canadian, eh?

International man of mystery: Austin Powers

And so there was no stuttering when the PM asked him to name the puppets on kids’ TV show Mr Dressup… Casey and Finnegan.

Some other popular cultural references are posed.

And a geographical gimme, the capital of Saskstchewan… Regina obviously.

Puck stops here

Before the premier sets Mike the big money question, an ice hockey tactical riddle.

Which having covered hockey among my range of sports I and Mike know.

That when you’re a defenceman defending a two on one you take away the pass obviously.

And that the two seasons in Toronto are winter and construction.

Always be a Canada

What the Doctor ordered: In Austin’s world

After which PM Carney gives a mock approval and tells Mike… ‘Wow, you really are a Canadian.’

And Mike asks the politician.. ‘will there always be a Canada?’

And Carney assures them there will and they greet each other in hockey style with ‘Elbows up’.

It’s good to see a newly-peroxised Mike who has been under the radar, back, and with a new Shrek to promote.

Yes, way

Whatever Mike’s views on Donald Trump, and they share Scottish ancestry, his Shrek is a better Caledonian ccent than mine.

While he famously channeled his English roots for Austin Powers.

It was, of course, as Wayne Campbell thar we were first introduced to the comic genius.

And it is a scene where Wayne and pal Garth make fun with signs behind their sponsor’s back on their home TV show that we recall.

And wonder at the fun they could have if ever they were invited to the White House.

Canada Aer

And Mike could tell him that in his country they say Canada party on dude.

The best way, of course, to support Canada is to visit.

And we always advise to go through Ireland with Aer Lingus and pre-clearance at £566.52 as part of a return fare.