Sport Archives - Page 4 of 18 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

The L word in Chicago

18th June 202522nd June 2025 funtime65

It’s its USP, the rickety elevated trains that run through the Downtown Loop and which everyone knows as the L word in Chicago.

For a wide-eyed Scottish adolescent with American cousins my entry point to Chicago was through The Blues Brothers.

And Elwood tossing and turning in his sleep above the Plymouth Restaurant.

The filmmakers depicted his room as being right next to the L tracks, named for the elevated position.

With the location now a small park in front of the restaurant.

Your inner Elwood

I channel my inner Elwood in the Palmer House Hotel these five days in Chicago.

Where I nod off every night to sleep, with the clanking train in my ears.

The L couldn’t be easier to navigate, no validating tickets here.

Just book your $2 trip (yes, you read that right) or $5 all-day ticket.

Which praise be, you can pay for too in old Earth money at the machine.

And if even that confuses those new in town there is help at hand at the information desk.

With Old Willie giving me a pass without the need for the machine.

And chewing the fat with me about Scottish white soul band The Average White Band.

An L of a ride

Let’s go round again… and that, of course, means a return to the scene of the crime from my first day here.

The Gaybourhood of North Halsted Street, Andersonville.

And it’s spiritual home the multi-bar Sidetrack where we gather on a hot and sweltering night to celebrate Pride.

In the company of Veronica Pop, Boy J and Tender Oni.

Tender, or Oni, they go by either nomenclature, is championing Drag Kings.

And wows us with an out-of-this world Bruno Mars.

While Boy J prides themself that they can survive and does a mean Bruno themself with Veronica’s Lady Gaga.

Partners in time

We watch it all from the intimate main bar with slushy cocktails in hand of course.

Before doing our own thang on the dance floor.

Where a 4ft tall pocket rocket owns the floor, announcing to everyone that it is her 30th birthday.

She has me at ‘you only look 35’ when I tell her I’m twice her age.

She only, of course, has eyes for her partner, who holds on to her protectively.

Looking out from under the peak of her Cubs baseball hat.

Halsted Street is just down the road from Wrigley Field and I join the wave of happy sports fans back to the Belmont train.

It’s cooling down, there is lightning in the sky and the Chicagoans have brought the thunder.

The L word in Chicago.

I am travelling with Aer Lingus from Edinburgh through Dublin and now back with my luggage and staying at the Palmer House Hotel.

America, Countries, Sport

On board with Brian Wilson in California

12th June 202513th June 2025 funtime65

Turns out I was on board with Brian Wilson in California all along by skipping the wave.

Because like Brian I’m more natural at singing the praises of surfin’ than actually doing it.

As my guides from waterskiing in Malta through paddle boarding on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Barcelona will testify.

Surfin’ for us and everyone else for whom walking on sand makes more sense is about the Good Vibrations.

Wouldn’t it be nice

And there is nothing better than catching The Beach Boys themselves in California.

I guess we should have guessed all along about Brian’s aversion to surfing when we watched him on board Sloop John B.

On the overhead video during lunch break of the annual American Travel Fair in Anaheim.

As his Beach Boys channeled his vision on set below and Mike Love and I pressed flesh.

The home of surfing

As is the tradition of the Great American Song Surfin’ USA name checks as many locations as you can in a three-minute hit.

Apart from, and Brian has taken his reasons for omitting it to the Next World, Huntington Beach.

Now Huntington Beach bills itself as Surf City USA.

And while we didn’t exactly follow Jan and Dean’s advice.

And buy ourselves a ’30 Ford wagon called Woody we did get a party growin’.

Surfin’ Dogg

With a little help from a Surfin’ Dogg.

The dudest of rappers putting on a set which had us all dancin’ into the early hours.

Not that Surfin’ dogs are anything unusual on this stretch of the Pacific 44 miles south of Los Angeles.

As I first discovered when Huntington Beach rolled into Dublin and reached out to us.

And I discovered that anyone can surf with Huntington Beach even putting on dog surfing competitions.

With Bono, a Brazilian Labrador the champion although this one doesn’t wear the shades.

Anyone maybe other than me and the Beach Boys genius.

But then for his fans he will always walk on water.

And I’ve something in common with him as I’m on board with Brian Wilson in California.

So Do It Again, get out to the USA and when you do go through Ireland with Aer Lingus with pre-clearance.

To Los Angeles, sample round trip £636.

Countries, Europe, Sport

Danke for der German football memories

31st May 202531st May 2025 funtime65

And as Inter Milan and PSG meet tonight in Munich in the Champions League final here’s a Danke for der German football memories.

Not that I’d wish my early experiences on supporters or neutrals converging on the pride of Bavaria.

A fresh-faced pilgrim to the Oktoberfest I resolved to visit the cathedral of football that was the Olympiastadion.

To see the mighty Bayern Munich face Nuremberg in a fiercely-fought Bavarian derby.

Inside the ground I, of course, used what little German I had, Muller, Beckenbauer, Hoeness and they their Scottish knowledge, Stein.

Only here for der blows

Only the duelling didn’t stop there.

As I found out when I got back to the Hofbrau House where I encountered two footballing frauleins fighting.

And proceeded in true noble spirit to split them apart.

Only to get punched in the nose for my troubles.

And, to this day, I insist that it was their boyfriends, who had entered the row, who delivered the bloody blow.

With ambulances on hand, well this is Oktoberfest, the hospital patched me up and sent me on my way.

Only I couldn’t remember the name of the campsite and was grateful for the taxi driver’s local knowledge.

And for taking me to the biggest site in the city.

Where the Aussies and Kiwis, my Top Deck companions for the week, took up annual residence.

German lessons

The story, of course, ought to have ended there.

Only a hospital envelope arrived at my family home a month later addressed to James J Murty.

And, of course, my dad sharing my name but for the G initial would see it as his right to open my mail.

And he gave me a lecture about high jinx and reminded me that the bill was on me.

G’day my Beerfest buddies

As a thrill-seeking teen I, of course, ignored Pater’s advice.

And the high jinx continued up at Aberdeen particularly when the Aussies turned up unexpectedly one night and stayed a year.

But that and the next year’s Oktoberfest and singing on the bandstand are another story.

Fans for the memories

That brush with the Bavarians, of course, wasn’t about to put me off Germany.

And I have been fortunate enough to return regularly over the years.

And even tour the heartland of German football, the Ruhr

As well as Dortmund and the German Football Museum where I got pictured with the European Cup.

Alas, those Bayern Munich fans, wherever they are, will not get the pleasure this year.

Of seeing their favourites lift ‘Old Big Ears’.

But they can console themselves with their rich history to call on.

Of which I am part… Danke for der German football memories.

Countries, Sport

The London Marathon and others that run and run

26th April 202526th April 2025 funtime65

And we’ll all participate, at a distance, tomorrow in the London Marathon and others that run and run.

And it has run since 490BC when soldier Pheidippides ran the approximate 26 miles 285 yards from Marathon to Athens.

To report on the Greeks’ victory on the battlefield against the invading Persian Army.

Only, of course, it was a race in name only as he had no competitors, more a race against the clock really.

You Sphinx you know your Marathons

If we’re really looking for a marker for a very long running race we should look to the Egyptians.

And King Taharka who instituted a 100km race for his military, equivalent to the modern ultradistance event.

And which has has been revived as the Pharaonic 100km.

From the Hawara pyramid at El Faioum to the Sakkara pyramids to the south-west of Cairo.

Boston Marathon Party

Such distances were beyond the imagination of the organisers of the first Modern Olympics in 1896, officially the first Marathon race.

But the theatre of the abbreviated race caught the imagination of nations and was reprised in the New World.

And as is so often the case New York and Boston contest that they were the architects.

Although our friends in Beantown have validated their claim by holding theirs every year since 1897, the longest-running annual Marathon.

And hard on their heels

Running men: Everyone has their own race

Yonkers in New York was hard on their heels in 1907, with South Africa bunching up in 1921.

The oldest annual Marathon in Europe might not be where you’d expect.

With the Kosice Peace Marathon in Slovakia, which dates back to 1924 attracting 10,000 runners annually.

Asia and specifically Korea and Japan caught up before and after the Second World War.

London for charity

Today Marathons are run in cities all around the world.

With the Big Five considered to be Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London and New York.

All something to dwell on if you’re on the London route tomorrow or even running it.

The London Marathon and others that run and run.

And know too that you’re contributing to the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event.

With more than £1.3bn raised for charity since 1981.

And if you want a travel provider to take the strain while you train let Sports Tours International do your heavy lifting.

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.

Countries, Europe, Sport, UK

Le Tour de (Little) France in Edinburgh

19th March 2025 funtime65

Everyone’s going cycling crazy here as we gear up for Le Tour de (Little) France in Edinburgh.

And it’s about temps too as Scotland and France’s links go back centuries through the Auld Alliance of its royal families.

With the ‘Jocks’ nickname for Scots even emanating from the French name Jacques for the-then monarch James.

With the area by the Royal Infirmary where Mary Queen of Scots’ French entourage are said to have stayed… Little France.

Wee Tour de France

The news that Scotland’s capital will host Le Départ 2027, the start of the biggest annual sporting event in the world is trés grand.

And a ringing endorsement for Scottish cycling which has a rich legacy.

Stretching back to King of the Mountains Robert Millar right up to multi-Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy.

The only regret is that my old colleague, Commonwealth Games competitor and cycling and sports journalist Richard Moore is no longer here to see it.

Le Grand Départ is then un grand deal.

And judging by past visits to British shores, in London and Yorkshire, it will bring in hundreds of millions in tourist mullah.

Where in Edinburgh the world’s top cyclists will whizz by will be released in due course.

Hooray for Holyrood

But we would expect the City of Edinburgh and Le Tour to want to showcase the Athens of the North.

And the riders to fly around Holyrood Park where this cyclist travelled daily on his bike to work.

From Edinburgh’s beach town Portobello, home, of course, of our own Sir Chris.

So, Le Dieu willing I’ll be on the streets in two years and Sir Chris will too to cheer on Le Grand Départ.

As we get the wheels turning for Le Tour de (Little) France in Edinburgh.

America, Countries, Sport

Touchdown Pittsburgh with Aer Lingus

7th February 20257th February 2025 funtime65

And for the weekend that’s in it our friends at Ireland’s national airline carrier are proud to announce it’s touchdown Pittsburgh with Aer Lingus.

It’s green for go for Aer Lingus and the pride of Pittsburgh, the Steelers, who have entered into a four-year partnership.

With the Pennsylvanians pencilling in a first, a regular season NFL game in Ireland later this year.

At Croke Park, the home of Ireland’s Gaelic Games.

Steel yourself

Team of all talents: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh, who share the record number of Super Bowl titles of six with the New England Patriots, have long-held contacts with Ireland.

Through the Steelers’ founding family, the Irish-American Rooneys.

They came over from the Oul Country in the 1840s.

Now we’ve been trailing the Steelers and Ireland connection and drive to host a regular season match in Ireland.

Which, of course, will bring the famous Steeler Nation over in their droves… and all on Aer Lingus planes.

Rooney Rools

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer is looking forward to laying out the green carpet.

She said: ‘As an airline that connects people, places and possibilities, we eagerly anticipate welcoming many Steelers supporters.

‘As they travel to Ireland to cheer on their team and to explore Europe.’

Steelers President Art Rooney II is no stranger to the land of his forebears.

And he said: ‘The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special.

‘Not only because of the Rooney family history there, but also to play in front of the growing number of Steelers fans in Ireland.’

Philadelphia, who will be carrying the flag for Pennsylvania on Sunday.

With the Eagles facing the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis and Taylor et al, has long been on the Aer Lingus radar.

With flights to the City of Brotherly Love one of 24 North American routes.

From Dublin, Shannon and Manchester, bolstered by new destinations in Nashville and Indianapolis.

The City of the Andys

Of course, as much as we want to show Pittsburghians around Dublin’s Fair City.

We’re also keen having spent time with them in Ireland to get out there too.

To the city of the handy Andys… where Warhol and where Carnegie’s footprint is huge.

It should, of course, come as little surprise that Ireland should have been chosen for the Gridiron expansion.

With Aer Lingus having been a proud supporter of College Football since 2016.

Aer receivers

When the first-ever Aer Lingus College Football Classic took place and which we have been fortunate enough to attend ourselves.

Since 2022, the event – held on Week Zero of the College Football calendar – has been a regular fixture at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Bringing teams and supporters from across America to Ireland.

In 2027, the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt Panthers will be the home team taking on rivals Wisconsin in an exciting matchup.

So as the Super Bowl whets your appetite on Sunday.

Just think it will be Touchdown Pittsburgh with Aer Lingus in Dublin for later in the year.

Asia, Countries, Sport

Winging it with John Barnes in the Maldives

19th December 202419th December 2024 funtime65

I was at a disadvantage chasing a Sri Lankan on our Kuramathi football field so I’d not hold out much hope of winging it with John Barnes in the Maldives.

But I’d give it a try seeing that he looks to be partial to a mince pie these days.

‘Digger’ as he’s known to his football pals after the Dynasty character Cliff ‘Digger’ Barnes is the star attraction along with Stuart Pearce and Harry Redknapp for their Campioni Soccer Academy.

Come on ye reds: In Kuramathi with my team-mates

The programme is for kids but our friends at Simply Maldives leave nobody out and have an added midweek parents game.

Now growing up playing on muddy Scottish pitches Kuramathi’s astroturf is a culture shock.

And the big yellow ball in the sky rarely makes an appearance in Jockoland never mind palm trees.

This sporting life

You’ll get coached by legends though here with Simply Maldives.

With Liverpool great Digger running the school from July 28 and August 1.

And Harry and ‘Pscycho’ Pearce on from August 4 and 8, and parents will be hanging off their every anecdote too.

Seeing you’re all visitors together you won’t be disadvantaged by playing with the locals who are more used to the temperatures.

Which I was handicapped by when I asked the staff at our resort if I could join in their kickabout.

And they were gracious to allow me to make up the numbers.

And also join in their cricket match where I ran up a lofty total of three before getting myself run out.

The Maldives, of course, is all about R&R, the most idyllic spot.

Endless culinary and cocktails, watersports, infinity pools and karaoke yes.

With our Irish group belting out Living Next Door to Alice with our own ribald adages.

What’s included

The week starts on Sunday night with a welcome drinks reception.

Where each child is presented with a kit, cap, water bottle and bag while meeting the legends.

Daily development football training starts on the Monday at 3:30-5:30pm.

A midweek parents game.

An end of week medal presentation.

All Campioni families have the opportunity to socialise with the sporting celebs.

The daily football training sessions focus on the children.

And improving their technical skills, game and approach, using the FA’s 4 Corner Model.

Where to stay

2 Bedroom Duplex Beach House ( Sleeps up to 6 people ): adults from €3645 each, under-12s from €2465, teenager 12-16 yrs from €3215.

Pool Villa(sleeps max 3): adults from €4715 each, under-12s from €2945.

Superior Beach Villa (sleeps max 3): adults from €3549 each, under-12s from €2355

Supplement for Basic All Inclusive (buffet dining + all drinks ) = €88 per adult per day & €44 per child per day (up to 16s).

Supplement for select all inclusive (9 a la carte restaurants included = €148 per adult per day & €74 per child per day (up to 16s).

5-day Soccer Academy additional €900 per child.

Prices include return flights from Dublin in Economy Class, Return Speedboat Transfers, 7 Nights accommodation on Full Board Basis (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Plus complimentary Kids Club.

And the chance to be winging it with John Barnes in the Maldives.

America, Countries, Sport

On the Rocky road to Philly

22nd October 202422nd October 2024 funtime65

As a valued VIP I was naturally met by the man himself on the Rocky road to Philly.

And I didn’t even have to walk, never mind run, up the art museum steps to see him.

It takes something, or someone, to shift the Champ and when that guest is coming all the way from Washington DC…

I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I had actually come to Philadelphia to see an old bell.. you know boxers and bells!

Mr Balboa is, of course, long since back in his elevated state on the steps after a brief residency then in Philly’s historic old quarter.

Rocky Fest of fun

Keep on running: Rocky on Philly’s streets

His appeal has, if anything, only grown in the years since we last sparred.

And only last year the greatest Philadelphian who never lived was given his own day, December 3.

And that has only been ratcheted up in the City of Brotherly Glove in the years since.

With its Rocky Fest 2024 in full swing like a Sylvester Stallone haymaker.

Rocky by numbers

Rocky Fest will run from Rocky Day on December 3 through December 8, 2024.

With new moves from the PHLVisitorCenter… the first-ever publicly available Rocky Bus Tours, a Rocky Movie Marathon.

And recreated Rocky Date Nights at The University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink and The Philadelphia Zoo.

The Rocky Bus Tour and Philly PHLASH is a 90-minute deep dive into the different neighbourhoods where the movies were filmed.

Tour de force

And for Rockyphiles that means Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mighty Mick’s Gym, the church where Father Carmine blesses Rocky, the Italian Market, and many others.

The tours will run between November 29, and December 8.

You’ll kick off at The Parkway Visitor Centre and Rocky Shop. Individual tickets $49, Senior/student tickets $42; Available here.

A Rocky date

And because among all the fighting there was a lot of loving too then Philly takes us by the hand through Rocky and Adrian’s love story.

On their choice of Date Nights at the Penn Ice Rink and The Zoo.

Recreate their first date and Rocky’s stumbling around on the ice.

With signature drink specials, a Rocky and Adrian lookalike contest, film recreation photo ops, and speed dating for singles.

And individual tickets $25, student tickets $12.50; Available here.

Tickets include skate rental and 20% discount at the Rocky Shop, valid for purchases made during RockyFest.

Or during the Zoo’s LumiNature event with a million twinkling lights across 16 illuminated zones at the Philadelphia Zoo.

And channel Rocky’s proposal to Adrian in front of Big Cat Falls, Rocky proposed, and maybe have your own moment.

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5-9 p.m. Two-ticket package for $75; Available here

A Rocky marathon

Of course, Rocky starts, continues and finishes with the movies, all of which you can merch up on at the Sly Stallone Shop.

And while we know you’ve watched and rewatched them all then if you want to test yourself over the equivalent of 15 rounds…

With the Philadelphia Film Centre running anything from single viewings to the full bundle over the Fest days.

Full Screening Schedule Available Here.

Single screening: $14 general admission, $9 PFS member; Bundle: $48 general admission, $42 PFS members. Available here.

And, of course, flying out of Ireland comes to the USA with pre-clearance and Aer Lingus and Philly are old pals with prices from €258.44.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Best vroom with a view at the Monaco Grand Prix

25th September 202425th September 2024 funtime65

It’s the only place to watch… the best vroom with a view at the Monaco Grand Prix with our sporting travel pal Keith Prowse.

Monaco, as we all know, is the highlight of every motor-racing season.

And KP will set you up with a Formula 1 Ticket-Only and Hotel & Ticket Inclusive Package.

With the best seats in the grandstand when Max, Lewis, Lando and Oscar come whizzing around.

The showcase of the F1 season when petrolheads and paparazzi mix and party on the yachts in the Med runs over the weekend of May 25.

Just the ticket

Now Keith reckons you’ll have your own flights and invitations to the big bashes already sorted out.

But he is sorting you out with your own Grandstand T Ticket and accomodation.

So from €1,605 you’ll get tickets for the Friday-Sunday, Reserved Grandstand Seating and Videowall to follow the race.

With great views of the straight section after the exit of the last right / left `S` of the Swimming Pool Complex.

And three nights in a 3* or 4* hotel.

Riviera of broken dreams

All a big upgrade from our last mosey through Monaco, on our post-school boys’ trip to the French Riviera… and that wasn’t yesterday.

When we dodged the ticket inspectors on the train (do what we say, not what we’ve done, mon petits enfants) down to Monte Carlo.

And even allowing for saving on the fares could only afford the price of a beer and an ice cream.

And gawk at the yachts in the harbour and the big cars in the main square… away to play the tables.

For which we’d clearly not get the memo, in our shorts and salmon-pink torsos.

Before heading back to our campsite and more adventures in St-Raphael before getting run out of town.

See you Lew

Our circumstances have inevitably changed and I was welcomed back to Saint-Tropez in later life.

Where I was treated in the manner I always should have and expect to be in Monte Carlo.

Because as you can see here, me and Lewis are old pals from the Grand Kadooment at the end of Crop Over carnival in Barbados.

I’ll expect him to beep his horn then when he flies by me in May.

He’ll recognise me from my bandana and me having the best vroom with a view at the Monaco Grand Prix.